capacity to respond

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity to respond" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing someone's ability or potential to react or reply to a situation or stimulus. Example: "The organization's capacity to respond to emergencies is crucial for ensuring public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have the capacity to respond".

Independent

Europe has the experience and the capacity to respond".

The Guardian - Business

We have the capacity to respond to demand," he said.

The Guardian - Business

"We have to adapt or perish, but our capacity to respond is limited.

The Guardian

"Europe showed the capacity to respond to a crisis more quickly than the U.S.," he added.

The New York Times

They signal a polity with a reduced capacity to respond to changing needs".

The New York Times - Books

"Australia, Indonesia and other nations have increased their capacity to respond to irregular migration," he said.

The Guardian

Banks explained that response rates were largely due to an agency's capacity to respond.

The Guardian

"They are concerned about their capacity to respond to changes and deliver them effectively".

The Guardian

Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to respond to all the research requests we receive.

Stanford University

Build skills in resilience, or the capacity to respond to stress in a healthy way.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational capabilities, use "capacity to respond" to highlight preparedness and resources. For individual skills, consider "ability to react" for a more personal tone.

Common error

Avoid interchanging "capacity" and "capability" loosely. While similar, "capacity" often refers to potential volume or extent, while "capability" emphasizes actual skill or demonstrated competence. For example, don't say 'The team has the capacity to handle the project' when you mean 'The team has demonstrated capability through past projects'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to respond" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the ability or potential to react to something. Ludwig AI highlights this phrase's versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capacity to respond" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that denotes the ability or potential to react to a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When writing, it's essential to differentiate between "capacity" (potential) and "capability" (demonstrated skill). Alternatives like "ability to react" or "preparedness to intervene" offer subtle shifts in emphasis. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to react

This alternative uses "ability" instead of "capacity", offering a more general term for the power to do something.

capability to reply

This alternative focuses on the potential to give an answer or reaction, particularly in a communicative sense.

potential to handle

This highlights the inherent possibility or aptitude to deal with something effectively.

resources to address

This alternative highlights the availability of means to deal with a problem or need.

facility to answer

This phrase focuses on the ease and readiness with which a response can be provided.

preparedness to intervene

This phrase emphasizes the state of being ready to take action in a situation.

means to manage

This option emphasizes the availability of resources and strategies to control or direct a situation.

strength to cope

This alternative emphasizes the resilience and fortitude required to manage difficult circumstances.

aptitude to counteract

This suggests a natural talent or skill in opposing or negating something.

wherewithal to tackle

This implies having the necessary resources, skills, or information to confront and resolve a challenge.

FAQs

What does "capacity to respond" mean?

The phrase "capacity to respond" refers to the ability, resources, or potential available to react to a situation, event, or demand. It implies a readiness and capability to address whatever arises.

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

You can use "capacity to respond" when discussing how well-equipped someone or something is to react to a given situation. For example: "The hospital's "capacity to respond" to a pandemic is crucial for public health."

What are some alternatives to "capacity to respond"?

Some alternatives to "capacity to respond" include "ability to react", "capability to reply", or "preparedness to intervene". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "capacity to respond" formal or informal language?

"Capacity to respond" is generally considered neutral to formal language. It is suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts, but may be less common in very informal settings.