capture energy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capture energy" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The new solar panels are able to capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for the entire building.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They will also capture energy at night.

The New York Times - Sports

The company says future incarnations could perhaps be used to capture energy from braking vehicles.

MIT Technology Review

Unlike a hybrid car, however, Top Flight's drone doesn't capture energy from braking.

MIT Technology Review

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants capture energy from the sun.

University of California, Berkeley

Power is stored in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery; brakes capture energy and return it to the battery.

The New York Times

Earlier efforts to extract a current from photosynthesis failed because the proteins that capture energy from sunlight died without water.

The New York Times - Tech

Thus, any upstream (N2O2 separation) or downstream (transformations and CO2 capture) energy intensive steps are avoided.

Catalysis Today

The CO2 capture energy demand is provided by a specially designed combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT).

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

In contrast, the applied pressure was not well-suited to capture energy from sources.

Materials Research Bulletin

But generally speaking, they save gas by supplementing a relatively small gasoline engine with an electric motor and also capture energy generated by the brakes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It has regarded its expertise in nuclear power as a way to cut down on its emission of greenhouse gases and to capture energy-hungry markets in Asia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, "capture energy" can refer to the molecular processes involved in photosynthesis or other energy-gathering mechanisms.

Common error

While "capture energy" is technically correct, avoid using it in everyday language when simpler terms like "collect" or "gather" are more appropriate. Overusing technical jargon can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capture energy" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of obtaining or extracting energy from a source. As Ludwig shows, it is often used in the context of technology, science, and environmental discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capture energy" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of obtaining or harnessing energy from various sources. Ludwig shows the phrase is common in discussions about sustainability, technology, and science. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, as simpler terms might be more appropriate in casual conversation. Being mindful of these nuances will allow you to use “capture energy” effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harness energy

Focuses on controlling and utilizing energy, implying a more managed approach.

extract energy

Suggests removing energy from a source, often implying a physical or chemical process.

harvest energy

Emphasizes gathering energy from renewable sources, similar to crop harvesting.

collect energy

Implies gathering energy, often from diffuse sources or over a period.

trap energy

Suggests containing energy, preventing it from escaping or being lost.

accumulate energy

Focuses on the gradual increase or storage of energy over time.

recover energy

Implies regaining energy that was previously lost or wasted, such as through regenerative braking.

absorb energy

Describes the process of taking in energy, often at a molecular or material level.

draw energy

Suggests taking energy from a power source, often implying consumption.

procure energy

Focuses on obtaining energy through purchasing or other forms of acquisition.

FAQs

How can I use "capture energy" in a sentence?

You can use "capture energy" to describe processes where energy is obtained from a source. For example, "Solar panels "capture energy" from sunlight" or "Regenerative braking systems "capture energy" during deceleration".

What are some synonyms for "capture energy"?

Alternatives to "capture energy" include "harness energy", "extract energy", "harvest energy", or "collect energy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "capture energy" or "capturing energy"?

The choice between "capture energy" and "capturing energy" depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence. "Capture energy" is used as a verb phrase (e.g., "We need to capture energy"), while "capturing energy" functions as a gerund or participle (e.g., "Capturing energy is essential for sustainability").

What is the difference between "capture energy" and "store energy"?

"Capture energy" refers to the process of obtaining energy from a source, while "store energy" refers to the process of accumulating and holding energy for later use. For example, solar panels "capture energy" from the sun, and batteries "store energy" for later use.