develop a capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop a capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of building skills, abilities, or resources in a particular area. Example: "Our goal is to develop a capacity for innovative thinking within our team to tackle complex challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We have at this stage no detail, however, about what mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the functions of these two bodies are maintained, nor about how Defra will develop a capacity (and the levers necessary) to mainstream sustainable development across government".

The Guardian

He has managed to develop a capacity to change his length according to the conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

"So we have to develop a capacity to protect our societies across the board".

The New York Times

Such tales might sound apocryphal – though Kemp swears they are true – but what is inarguable is that from an early age he had to develop a capacity for winning over potentially hostile audiences.

The Guardian

Dr. Ladenson created the ethics bowl concept in 1993, to help students "develop a capacity for ethical understanding in a world where ethical questions are often complex, ambiguous, viewpoint-dependent and hard to resolve".

The New York Times

The objective is to develop a capacity and warehouse management plan that satisfies the expected market demands with the lowest possible cost.

European Journal of Operational Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Based on the common interests and strengths of the two institutions, an agreement was made to develop a capacity-building programme for mental health in PHC in Nicaragua.

Global Health Action

"The main thing is developing a capacity to help a country through a transitional period in a way that allows a democratic process to take hold".

The New York Times - Arts

They took my word that it wouldn't and I developed a capacity for playing a role, for behaving like an officer and a temporary gentleman.

The Guardian - Film

The new military technology also created a demand for specialists, who were recruited from among the Europeans; under the direction of such specialists, the island's metalworkers developed a capacity for the production of high-quality guns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For each human develops a capacity, this time unique, to internalise the spoken word into non-spoken thought: a capacity which means that they can cease merely to "inhabit" the present biosphere, but come instead to "make" the past-present-future world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop a capacity", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the specific area or skill in which capacity is being developed. For example, "develop a capacity for critical thinking" is more effective than simply "develop a capacity".

Common error

Avoid using "develop a capacity" in vague contexts. Instead of saying "We need to develop a capacity," specify what kind of capacity is needed (e.g., "We need to develop a capacity for data analysis").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a capacity" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring or enhancing an ability. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usability across various contexts, emphasizing the active creation or improvement of a skill or resource.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop a capacity" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the gradual acquisition or enhancement of skills, abilities, or resources. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and applicable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are crucial: indicate precisely what capacity is being developed to avoid vagueness. While synonyms like "build an ability" or "cultivate a skill" exist, "develop a capacity" often implies a more comprehensive and ongoing process. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build an ability

Focuses on the construction of a specific ability, rather than a general capacity.

cultivate a skill

Implies a more gradual and nurturing development of a specific skill.

foster a capability

Suggests creating an environment for a capability to grow and strengthen.

enhance a potential

Highlights the improvement of an existing potential or possibility.

nurture an aptitude

Emphasizes the careful development and encouragement of a natural aptitude.

acquire a proficiency

Focuses on gaining expertise or skill in a particular area through learning or experience.

establish a capability

Highlights the creation of a formal or recognized capability.

generate a resource

Implies the creation of something that can be used to support or enhance an ability.

construct a mechanism

Focuses on building a specific process or system for achieving a particular outcome.

grow a competence

Emphasizes the gradual and natural development of competence in a specific area.

FAQs

How can I use "develop a capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "develop a capacity" to describe building skills, abilities, or resources. For example, "The training program aims to "develop a capacity" for leadership among young employees".

What are some alternatives to "develop a capacity"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "build an ability", "cultivate a skill", or "foster a capability".

Is it better to say "develop a capacity" or "build a capacity"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""develop a capacity"" often implies a more gradual and comprehensive process, while "build a capacity" suggests a more direct and structured approach.

What does it mean to "develop a capacity" for something?

To ""develop a capacity"" for something means to gradually increase one's ability or capability in a particular area, often through training, practice, or experience.