developing a capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developing a capability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of acquiring or enhancing a skill, resource, or ability within an organization or individual. Example: "The team is focused on developing a capability that will allow us to respond more effectively to customer needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But also it is about developing a capability for reacting publicly, quickly and rapidly.

Harvard Business Review

And so when you're developing a capability before you need them, you're effectively saying I know I'm at the top of the curve and it doesn't look like I need this capability right now, but I know I'm going to.

Harvard Business Review

"Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has grown in confidence and seems to be developing a capability beyond the other Al Qaeda nodes," said Richard Barrett, a British former intelligence officer now monitoring Al Qaeda and the Taliban for the United Nations, who visited Yemen two weeks ago.

The New York Times

When it comes to doing something new, or to developing a capability - aspiration is much more important than natural talent.

Forbes

Developing a capability to refine data into greater business insights, more profitable decision-making, and new product offerings is clearly one way to make a substantial impact on the enterprise.

Forbes

Second, as indicated above, in developing a capability theory of justice we must decide whether we want it to be an outcome or an opportunity theory, that is, whether we think that we should assess injustices in terms of functionings, or rather in terms of capabilities, or a mixture.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The creature the bone belonged to apparently had developed a capability important toward bridging that evolutionary gap: it could do push-ups.

The New York Times - Science

Many adversaries believe the best way to avoid, deter, or offset US military superiority is to develop a capability to threaten the US homeland.

Yale University

While United States policy makers have increasingly worried about North Korea's efforts to develop a capability to deliver a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile, South Koreans have tended to be less concerned.

The New York Times

However, it has been unclear as to when lizards developed a capability for bipedal locomotion, though bipedal locomotion has been inferred in some fossil lizards based on the relationship between forelimb and hind limb lengths (e.g., Tijubina pontei 12,13.

Nature

When that, too, was cancelled, Britain was unique in being the only country to have developed a capability both to build and launch its own satellites and then abandon the technology.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term strategic goals, use "developing a capability" to emphasize the importance of future readiness and adaptability.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity" when you mean "capability". "Capacity" refers to the amount something can hold or produce, while "capability" refers to the ability to do something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developing a capability" functions as a verbal phrase that typically acts as part of a larger clause, often as a gerund phrase. It describes the process of acquiring or improving a specific ability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "developing a capability" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase to describe the process of acquiring or improving a skill or resource. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While it's a common phrase, alternatives such as "building a capacity" or "cultivating an ability" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to use "capability" to discuss the ability to do something and not to confuse it with "capacity", and prioritize it, especially when discussing strategic goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building a capacity

Replaces 'capability' with 'capacity', focusing on the ability to perform or produce.

cultivating an ability

Emphasizes the gradual development and nurturing of a specific skill.

fostering a competence

Highlights the act of encouraging and supporting the growth of a particular skill or knowledge.

acquiring a proficiency

Focuses on gaining a high level of skill or expertise in a specific area.

establishing an aptitude

Suggests the creation of a natural talent or inclination for something.

enhancing a skillset

Specifically refers to improving a collection of skills relevant to a particular area.

growing an expertise

Implies a gradual increase in knowledge and skill within a particular domain.

mastering a technique

Focuses on achieving a high level of skill and control over a specific method or procedure.

perfecting a craft

Emphasizes the refinement and improvement of a skill that requires artistic or manual ability.

honing a talent

Suggests sharpening and improving a natural ability or gift.

FAQs

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

You can use "developing a capability" to describe the process of acquiring or enhancing a skill, resource, or ability. For example: "The company is focused on "developing a capability" in artificial intelligence."

What are some alternatives to "developing a capability"?

Alternatives include "building a capacity", "cultivating an ability", or "acquiring a proficiency", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "develop a capability" or "develop a skill"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Skill" usually refers to individual abilities, while "capability" often implies a broader organizational or systemic capacity. You would "develop a skill" in coding, but you might focus on "developing a capability" in cybersecurity.

What's the difference between "developing a capability" and "having a capability"?

"Developing a capability" refers to the process of acquiring or improving an ability, while "having a capability" indicates that the ability already exists. For example, a company might be "developing a capability" in data analytics, and once they have completed the training, they will "have a capability" in data analytics.