developing a capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developing a capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of enhancing or building a specific ability or skill in a person, organization, or system. Example: "The training program focuses on developing a capacity for critical thinking among students."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Emphasis will be in developing a capacity for applying and interpreting psychometrics techniques to real-world and simulated data.

Stanford University

"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

There is a strong interest in developing a capacity to predict the occurrence of cyanobacteria blooms in lakes and to identify the measures to be taken to reduce water quality problems associated with the occurrence of potentially harmful taxa.

Ecological Informatics

Near term actions that will address all objectives include: (1) conducting climate vulnerability analyses in each region for all LMRs; (2) establishing and strengthening ecosystem indicators and status reports in all regions; and (3) developing a capacity to conduct management strategy evaluations of climate-related impacts on management targets, priorities, and goals.

Marine Policy

"It is about developing a capacity to judge your own work, making a considered judgment about what to do next, and then actually doing it.

Science Magazine

Likewise, the interaction with AELG and other lifeline group members contributes to developing a capacity within their own organisations to interpret, request and use specialist volcanic impact information.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

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

In addition to the major European languages, Brown has developed a capacity in Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Persian, Syriac and Turkish.

Princeton University

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

Russia has developed a capacity to sow discord abroad, but the western alliance has the nobler record of underpinning stability and spreading prosperity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "developing a capacity", clearly define the specific capacity being developed. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "developing a capacity" when the skill or ability is already fully formed. Use it to describe an ongoing or future process of improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developing a capacity" functions as a verbal phrase, typically acting as a noun phrase within a sentence. It describes the act of enhancing or creating a specific ability or skill. The Ludwig AI examples show it being used in contexts like education and organizational growth.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "developing a capacity" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the process of enhancing or building a specific skill or ability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in scientific, academic, and news contexts. While alternatives like "building a capability" or "enhancing a skill" exist, this phrase offers a versatile way to convey the idea of growth and improvement. When using "developing a capacity", it's important to clearly specify the capacity in question to avoid ambiguity and to ensure the context aligns with an ongoing or future process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building a capability

Focuses on creating a fundamental ability to perform a specific task.

enhancing a skill

Emphasizes improving an existing skill to a higher level.

cultivating an ability

Suggests a more gradual and nurturing process of skill development.

fostering competence

Highlights the creation of a demonstrated ability to perform well.

growing expertise

Focuses on the accumulation of deep knowledge and skill in a particular area.

acquiring proficiency

Implies gaining a high level of skill through learning or practice.

establishing mastery

Suggests achieving a comprehensive and authoritative command of a skill.

expanding potential

Focuses on increasing the possibility for future achievement and growth.

promoting growth

Emphasizes the act of encouraging development in a specific area.

nurturing talent

Highlights the care and support provided to help someone's natural abilities flourish.

FAQs

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

You can use "developing a capacity" to describe the process of improving a particular skill. For example, "The course focuses on "developing a capacity" for critical thinking".

What are some alternatives to "developing a capacity"?

Some alternatives include "building a capability", "enhancing a skill", or "cultivating an ability", depending on the specific context.

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

Both "develop a capacity" and "developing a capacity" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Develop a capacity" is an infinitive phrase that often describes a goal or intention, while "developing a capacity" is a gerund phrase that describes an ongoing process.

What's the difference between "developing a capacity" and "building a capacity"?

"Developing a capacity" implies a gradual growth or improvement, whereas "building a capacity" suggests creating something from the ground up.