deny the capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deny the capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the refusal to acknowledge or accept someone's ability or potential to do something. Example: "The manager chose to deny the capability of the team to complete the project on time, despite their previous successes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"China is aiming to deny the capability of possible American intervention in the western Pacific.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"One military was so reticent they denied the capability even existed," said a source familiar with the meetings.

The Guardian

The Israeli position has long been that Iran must be denied the capability to piece a weapon together.

The New York Times

Greece, since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2010, has been publicly denied the capability to deal with her own administration.

The Guardian

Even our very own columnist MG Siegler, an outspoken Apple lover, couldn't deny the tablet's capabilities.

TechCrunch

Israel will act in every way to deny Iran the capability of arming itself with nuclear weapons".

The Guardian

Israel will act in every way to deny Iran the capability of arming itself with nuclear weapons". Israel has beefed up security for Sharon's burial and warned Gaza's Islamist rulers not to allow rocket fire during the ceremony, which Biden is also due to attend.

The Guardian

It is only the slaves of the letter that deny this capability of development; -- it is only they that convert the letter of the Bible into a slave whip".

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, the Government is continuing to neither confirm nor deny the existence of a capability it is clear they have, while changing the law under the radar".

Independent

"Instead, the government is continuing to neither confirm nor deny the existence of a capability it is clear they have, while changing the law under the radar, without proper parliamentary debate".

The Guardian

Resident Kathryn Merlo didn't deny the high demand for wireless capability in Burbank.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deny the capability", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific ability is being negated or prevented. For example, "to deny the enemy the capability to launch a counterattack."

Common error

Avoid using "deny the capability" when a weaker term like "limit" or "reduce" is more accurate. Overstating the denial can weaken your argument. Consider if the capability is truly eliminated or merely lessened.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deny the capability" functions as a verb phrase, where "deny" acts as the verb and "the capability" serves as the object. It indicates the action of preventing or negating someone's ability to perform a specific task. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deny the capability" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies preventing or negating someone's ability to do something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

It often appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility in describing strategic, political, or technical situations. Related phrases include "prevent the ability", "nullify the capacity", and "undermine the potential", each offering subtle variations in meaning.

When using this phrase, clarity is crucial to specify the exact ability being denied. Avoiding overstatement is essential for maintaining credibility. The phrase is versatile and accurate to use to convey prevention effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent the ability

Focuses on stopping the potential for action, shifting from denying existing capability to preventing future ability.

nullify the capacity

Emphasizes rendering a capacity ineffective or invalid, implying a more formal or technical context.

undermine the potential

Highlights weakening or diminishing someone's inherent possibilities, suggesting a gradual effect.

impair the competence

Focuses on reducing someone's effectiveness or skill, particularly in a specific area.

negate the power

Stresses invalidating authority or strength, changing the focus from general ability to specific power.

hinder the capacity

Highlights obstructing or impeding someone's capacity to perform, focusing on external barriers.

obstruct the faculty

Emphasizes blocking someone's inherent mental or physical ability, implying a more direct impediment.

disable the aptitude

Focuses on rendering an aptitude inoperative, bringing attention to a natural talent being suppressed.

invalidate the means

Highlights rendering the resources or methods useless, suggesting a change in available tools.

preclude the possibility

Emphasizes eliminating the chance of something occurring, focusing on eliminating the opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "deny the capability" in a sentence?

You can use "deny the capability" to describe preventing someone from having the ability to do something, as in "The goal of the mission is to deny the enemy the capability to launch missiles."

What is a good alternative to "deny the capability"?

Alternatives include "prevent the ability", "nullify the capacity", or "undermine the potential" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "deny the capability" or "limit the capability"?

The choice depends on the context. "Deny the capability" implies a complete removal of ability, while "limit the capability" suggests a reduction or restriction of the ability.

What does it mean to "deny the capability" in a military context?

In a military context, to "deny the capability" means to prevent an enemy from having the means or ability to carry out a specific action, such as launching an attack or deploying resources.