demonstrate a capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demonstrate a capability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability or skill to perform a specific task or function, often in a professional or technical context. Example: "In this project, we aim to demonstrate a capability for innovative problem-solving that sets us apart from our competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The novel fish collagen scaffold as dural substitute, demonstrate a capability for using in the field of tissue engineering.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

This does not mean that every hiring manager must grow through the ranks and have once performed the role they are hiring for, but they should at least demonstrate a capability to identify what they don't know, and a willingness to close that knowledge gap.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The successful test of a soft touchdown demonstrates a capability that could cut the cost of space launches significantly.

MIT Technology Review

The apparent strategy is to try to trap rebels, who have demonstrated a capability to carry out hit-and-run attacks in areas ostensibly under the control of Russian forces.

The New York Times

On Tuesday, the regime tested an intercontinental ballistic missile, marking "a long-sought milestone, demonstrating a capability of striking targets thousands of miles from its coast," Joby Warrick writes in The Post.

The Washington Post

The ultrasonic waveguide imaging system demonstrates a capability of detecting defects with 1 mm width and 0.5 mm depth under molten sodium.

NDT & E International

Yet, one by one, our "unique" human traits have turned out to be shared: chimpanzees have culture; dolphins make art (in the form of bubble patterns); female vampire bats share food with friends; male baboons will die to defend their troop; rats have recently demonstrated a capability for reflection that resembles consciousness.

The Guardian - Opinion

This task also demonstrated a capability using the recommended approach.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

I don't think governments have demonstrated a capability to pick winners at the project or company level.

Forbes

As a complement to 2-D similarity, 3-D similarity demonstrates a capability to relate chemical series that are not sufficiently 2-D similar.

Journal of Cheminformatics

A cyclic peptide (WX-360: cyclo21,29[D-Cys21]-uPA21-30[S21C H29C]) was derived from this original strucyclo21,29[D-Cys21]-uPA21-30[S21C H29C]ibit tumour growth and spread [1,2].

EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "demonstrate a capability", ensure that you provide specific examples or evidence to support the claim. General statements are less impactful than concrete demonstrations.

Common error

Avoid using "demonstrate a capability" when you lack clear evidence or examples to support your claims. Overselling can damage credibility; instead, focus on realistic achievements and substantiated skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demonstrate a capability" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of showing or proving the ability to perform a specific task or function. This is consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig, which illustrate contexts where an action proves the existence of the capability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demonstrate a capability" is a grammatically correct and professionally appropriate way to express the act of showing a particular skill or ability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. While not the most frequent phrase, it effectively conveys the idea of actively proving a skill. To enhance your writing, provide concrete examples when using this phrase and avoid overstating capabilities without proper evidence. Alternatives like "show an ability" or "prove competence" can be used for variety, though they carry slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show an ability

Focuses on the general ability rather than a specific demonstrable skill.

exhibit a capacity

Emphasizes the potential or maximum amount that can be achieved.

prove competence

Highlights the achieved level of skill and knowledge.

establish proficiency

Focuses on demonstrating expertise in a particular area.

validate effectiveness

Highlights the successful achievement of a goal or purpose.

confirm mastery

Suggests a high level of skill and control over a subject.

verify potential

Focuses on confirming the possibility of future success.

bear out talent

Refers to revealing a natural aptitude or skill.

attest accomplishment

Emphasizes the act of proving a successful completion of a task.

validate skillfulness

Highlights skill and precision in the execution of tasks.

FAQs

How can I use "demonstrate a capability" in a sentence?

You can use "demonstrate a capability" to showcase an ability or skill. For example, "The successful test of the software "demonstrates a capability" to handle large datasets efficiently".

What can I say instead of "demonstrate a capability"?

You can use alternatives like "show an ability", "exhibit a capacity", or "prove competence" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "demonstrate a capability" or "demonstrate capabilities"?

The choice depends on context. "Demonstrate a capability" refers to showing a single, specific ability. "Demonstrate capabilities" implies showing multiple abilities or a range of skills.

What's the difference between "demonstrate a capability" and "possess a capability"?

"Demonstrate a capability" means actively showing the ability, while "possess a capability" simply means having it, whether or not it is currently being displayed. For example, an organization can possess a capability to do something in the future, but "demonstrates a capability" when it successfully performs that action.