capacity to lay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity to lay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability or potential to place or set something down, often in a metaphorical or abstract sense. Example: "The organization has the capacity to lay a strong foundation for future growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Increased fluid intake does not augment capacity to lay down new collagen in nursing home residents at risk for pressure ulcers: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Stanford University

It has three Kilo-class Russian diesel submarines which run virtually silently and are thought to have the capacity to lay mines.

The Guardian

The intrusive power of the media, their capacity to lay waste the lives of ordinary people and celebrities alike, has been much aired, before and after Leveson.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dr Jaisson reckons that the enormous size of the eggs is the main reason why each individual can only lay two eggs at a time she probably does not have the capacity to lay more.The two-eggs-at-a-time restriction is not unique to this colony of C. biroi; a population on the mainland also has this constraint.

The Economist

The one country with the capacity to lay out a strategic vision for the single currency's future is unwilling to do so.Many Germans will say that Mrs Merkel does have a vision for Europe's economic revival, which revolves around increased competitiveness; and that Germany is capable of acting boldly.

The Economist

Subordinates reducing growth incur a cost due to a reduction in their capacity to lay eggs [20] or to produce sperm [48], [49] and gain parentage [23], but by doing so may reduce their costliness to more dominant group members.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The capacity to lie is an important developmental acquisition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then again, we're talking about Donald Trump's feelings and his limitless capacity to lie.

The Guardian - Opinion

Boyd's discovery of a different sexual self, and of his capacity to lie to his wife in America, is as profound an encounter with otherness as his growing infatuation with Song.

The Guardian - Books

But there is nothing remotely cosy about this evening, which turns despair into an artform and constantly asks what it is that makes us human: our capacity to love, or our capacity to lie to others – and most of all to ourselves?

The Guardian

In this study, they made the deception work by not revealing to the seeker the hider's capacity to lie.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capacity to lay", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're discussing a literal placement or a metaphorical establishment of something. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity to lay" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "ability to place" or "potential to start" for better flow and naturalness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to lay" primarily functions as a noun phrase describing the ability or potential to establish or place something. It is often used in contexts where the subject's capability to initiate or construct is being discussed, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capacity to lay" signifies the ability or potential to establish or place something, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, its usage frequency is uncommon, leaning toward neutral to formal contexts. Alternatives like "ability to place" or "potential to establish" might be more suitable for informal settings. When employing "capacity to lay", ensure the context remains clear to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to place

Focuses on the ability aspect, using 'place' as a direct synonym for 'lay'.

potential to establish

Emphasizes the potential, replacing 'lay' with the more formal 'establish'.

capability to set down

Uses 'capability' as a synonym for 'capacity' and 'set down' for 'lay'.

power to impose

Shifts focus to the power aspect and uses 'impose' instead of 'lay'.

aptitude to construct

Replaces 'capacity' with 'aptitude' and 'lay' with 'construct'.

room to develop

This phrase offers a more indirect, metaphorical alternative.

scope for creating

Emphasizes the scope or opportunity, replacing 'lay' with 'creating'.

chance to initiate

Focuses on the opportunity to begin or start something.

option to implement

Highlights the choice or possibility of putting something into effect.

resources for establishing

Focuses on available resources to set up or create.

FAQs

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

You can use "capacity to lay" when discussing the ability or potential to place or establish something, whether physically or metaphorically. For instance, "The organization has the "capacity to lay" a strong foundation for future growth."

What are some alternatives to "capacity to lay"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "capacity to lay" include "ability to place", "potential to establish", or "capability to set down".

Is "capacity to lay" formal or informal?

"Capacity to lay" can be used in both formal and neutral contexts, as shown by its presence in news articles and scientific publications. However, simpler alternatives may be preferred in very informal situations.

What's the difference between "capacity to lay" and "power to impose"?

"Capacity to lay" generally refers to the ability or potential to establish something. "Power to impose", on the other hand, suggests the authority or force to enforce something, indicating a difference in meaning and usage.