capacity to modify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity to modify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability or potential to change or alter something, such as a process, system, or behavior. Example: "The software has the capacity to modify user settings based on individual preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Animals have an enormous capacity to modify physical environments," says Butterfield.

BBC

Microneedles have the capacity to modify the means in which therapeutics and formulations are delivered to the eye.

Current Opinion in Pharmacology

These roles may be partially mediated by Myc's capacity to modify the chromatin landscape on a global scale.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology

In part, these influences have the capacity to modify overall selections so that the probability of re-selecting reinforced behaviours in the future is altered.

Neuroscience

These results show that as a response to decreased competition E. multiflora has the capacity to modify the relative proportions of the nutrients in the aerial biomass.

Acta Oecologica

However, tools for designing shoes for people with diabetes do not currently have the capacity to modify the last in order to reduce the risk of foot ulceration, whilst at the same time preserving the style of the shoe.

Computer-Aided Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Much of the advancement in mouse models for cancer during the past 2 decades can be attributed to our increasing capacity to specifically modify the mouse germ line.

Experimental Cell Research

The present study was initiated to demonstrate capacity to transgenically modify cassava to accumulate storage protein of known amino acid profile within the tuberous roots.

Plosone

The capacity to genetically modify αB-crystallin for improved ability to block amyloid fibril formation provides a platform for the future use of such engineered molecules in treatment of diseases caused by amyloid fibril formation.

Plosone

Hence, the blastocyst has the capacity to significantly modify the external environment during implantation, which will subsequently be characterised by high extracellular lactate and concomitantly, low pHe.

BioEssays

This could be relevant during the root response to changes in the below ground environment: the capacity to rapidly modify the number of emerged LR determines plant adaptation and survival in adverse soil conditions.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capacity to modify", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being modified and the purpose of the modification.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity to modify" when the intended change is minor or superficial. Instead, consider words like "adjust" or "tweak" to better reflect the scope of the alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to modify" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive verb, acting as a subject or object complement. It describes the inherent ability or potential to change or alter something. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capacity to modify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the ability or potential to change or alter something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in scientific contexts, it also appears in news and formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being modified and the purpose of the modification. Alternatives such as "ability to alter" or "potential to change" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to alter

Replaces "capacity" with "ability" and "modify" with "alter", focusing on direct action.

potential to change

Substitutes "capacity" with "potential" and "modify" with "change", highlighting possibility.

capability to adjust

Uses "capability" instead of "capacity" and "adjust" instead of "modify", suggesting fine-tuning.

power to transform

Replaces "capacity" with "power" and "modify" with "transform", emphasizing significant change.

facility to adapt

Substitutes "capacity" with "facility" and "modify" with "adapt", focusing on ease of adjustment.

room for improvement

Focuses on the aspect of making something better, a common purpose of modifying.

scope for alteration

Highlights the extent or range within which modification is possible.

chance to revise

Emphasizes the opportunity to make changes or corrections.

flexibility to reshape

Highlights the adaptability and ability to change the form of something.

means to regulate

Focuses on the method or resource available to control or adjust something.

FAQs

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

You can use "capacity to modify" to describe the ability to change or alter something. For example, "The software has the "capacity to modify" user settings based on individual preferences."

What are some alternatives to "capacity to modify"?

Alternatives include "ability to alter", "potential to change", or "capability to adjust", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "ability to modify" or "capacity to modify" more appropriate?

Both "ability to modify" and "capacity to modify" are correct and often interchangeable. "Ability" suggests a demonstrated skill, while "capacity" implies a potential or inherent capability. Choose the word that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "capacity to modify" and "potential for alteration"?

"Capacity to modify" directly highlights the inherent ability to make changes. "Potential for alteration", on the other hand, emphasizes the possibility or scope for changes to occur, which may or may not be actively utilized.