capacity to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity to function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's ability or potential to perform tasks or activities effectively. Example: "After the accident, her capacity to function in daily life was significantly impacted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Optimal aging may be defined as the capacity to function across many domains (physical, functional, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual) to one's own satisfaction and despite one's medical conditions [ 1].

BMC Geriatrics

Dendritic polymers may have a range of functional properties including the capacity to function as catalysts, as biosensors or even as anti-bacterial agents.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

The past and current functional impact or limitations of the condition on the student's capacity to function in an academic setting.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is likely that this mental illness would have impaired her capacity to function as a social work team leader.

The Guardian

"These marriages, according to Dr. Braz, produce generation after generation of mentally disabled individuals who lack the capacity to function successfully and independently," investigators wrote.

The New York Times

That's a welcome admission that the world doesn't stand still and government's capacity to function in it may need additional investment, even in the midst of austerity.

The Guardian

Mr. Trewhitt asked whether he had any doubts about his capacity to function effectively on little sleep during a national emergency like the Cuban missile crisis.

The New York Times - Arts

The ruling Law and Justice party, which is hobbling the court's capacity to function as a brake on executive power, dismissed the commission's opinion as irrelevant.

The Guardian - Opinion

We now have research that shows that parenting interventions improve your capacity to function at work, too".

The New York Times

These children face multiple challenges in their growing up, and this issue will affect their capacity to function adequately as workers and citizens in the future.

Cornell University

The doctors have assured me there's no reason why either the procedure or the device that's being implanted should in any way inhibit my capacity to function as the vice president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capacity to function" when referring to the general ability of a system, person, or object to perform its intended tasks or activities. For example, "The new software enhances the team's capacity to function efficiently."

Common error

Avoid using "capacity to function" excessively in highly technical documents where more precise terms like 'operational efficiency' or 'performance metrics' might be more appropriate. Overuse can make the writing sound vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to function" acts as a noun phrase, often functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the inherent or potential ability to perform tasks or operate effectively. As shown by Ludwig, it is used in contexts where evaluating performance or capability is critical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capacity to function" is a grammatically sound and versatile term used to describe the ability or potential to perform tasks effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across various domains. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure it fits the tone and precision required; otherwise, consider alternatives like "ability to operate" or "capability to perform" for specific contexts. Overusing it in highly technical content should be avoided for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to operate

Focuses on the inherent skill or power to perform a specific action.

capability to perform

Highlights the potential or competence to execute a task effectively.

potential to work

Emphasizes the future possibility of functioning or being effective.

skill to execute

Underscores the proficiency required to carry out a task successfully.

competence to act

Stresses the qualification and readiness to take action.

power to achieve

Highlights the strength or authority to accomplish something.

facility to manage

Indicates an ease or aptitude in handling a situation or task.

resources to maintain

Focuses on the material or supportive elements needed to sustain functionality.

adequacy to fulfill

Stresses the satisfactory or sufficient nature to meet requirements.

aptitude to serve

Highlights a natural inclination or talent to perform a service or duty.

FAQs

How can I use "capacity to function" in a sentence?

You can use "capacity to function" to describe the ability of something or someone to perform tasks or activities effectively. For example: "The medication improved her "capacity to function" normally."

What are some alternatives to "capacity to function"?

Alternatives include "ability to operate", "capability to perform", or "potential to work", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the capacity of functioning"?

While grammatically understandable, "the capacity of functioning" is less common and more awkward than ""capacity to function"". The latter is generally preferred.

What determines someone's "capacity to function"?

A person's ""capacity to function"" can be influenced by various factors, including physical health, mental state, environmental conditions, and available resources.