different capacities

USAGE SUMMARY

'different capacities' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of someone or something having multiple capabilities or qualities. For example, "This software has multiple different capacities, such as the ability to process large data sets quickly and accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trent and Owen are the same thing in different capacities.

The Guardian - Film

Taylor uses it as an example of the different capacities and abilities of races.

The Guardian

But the women are certainly there, and they're there in many different capacities.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Iannuzzi, 45, of Yonkers, has worked at the zoo in different capacities for the 30 years.

The New York Times

It's very cool how a single drive can accommodate cartridges of all different capacities, present and future.

The New York Times

Each novel and story is different, and meant to stand alone, but many characters recur in different capacities.

The Guardian - Books

Not one of her successors has tried to work in so many different capacities.

The New York Times - Arts

"I get to serve in leadership in two different capacities, and each one informs the other," he says.

Columbia University

The Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association serves the student body in several different capacities.

Cornell University

He helped found Kibbutz Ein Gev in 1937, and worked under David BenGurion in different capacities including Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office.

The New York Times

Another problem with portraying language in the film is that different ape species and different individuals will have different capacities for speech.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different capacities" to clearly indicate that individuals or entities possess varying abilities or roles. This phrase is suitable when highlighting diversity in functions or skills within a group or system.

Common error

Avoid using "different capacities" when more precise terms like "varying specifications" or "diverse functionalities" would offer greater clarity in technical or scientific writing. Prioritize accuracy and detail over general phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different capacities" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. It typically acts as an object or complement, indicating the varying roles, abilities, or capabilities within a group or system, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "different capacities" is a versatile noun phrase used to express varying abilities, roles, or capabilities. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider context and choose more precise terms when needed, particularly in technical writing. Alternatives like "various capacities" or "different capabilities" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. It is crucial to understand how it compares to similar phrases like "different skills".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Various capacities

Emphasizes variety in roles, but "different capacities" highlights distinctions.

Different capabilities

"Capabilities" focuses on inherent abilities, while "capacities" can include roles or functions.

Diverse capacities

"Diverse" stresses the range and variety, while "different" simply notes distinctions.

Distinct capacities

"Distinct" suggests clear and easily identifiable differences, adding a layer of clarity.

Other capacities

Implies a set of known roles or abilities, whereas "different capacities" could be more general.

Different skills

"Skills" refers to learned abilities, limiting the scope compared to "capacities".

Different proficiencies

"Proficiencies" indicates a level of competence, whereas "capacities" is broader.

Different competencies

"Competencies" highlights specific qualifications; "capacities" can be more general.

Distinctive capacities

"Distinctive" emphasizes uniqueness, unlike the simple difference in "different capacities".

Several capacities

Specifies multiple roles or abilities, whereas "different capacities" may not.

FAQs

How can I use "different capacities" in a sentence?

You can use "different capacities" to describe individuals or things that have varying abilities or roles. For example, "The team members contribute in "different capacities", each using their unique skills."

What are some alternatives to "different capacities"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "various capacities", "different capabilities", or "diverse capacities".

Is it correct to say "different capacity" instead of "different capacities"?

While "different capacity" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, "different capacities" is generally used when referring to multiple varying abilities or roles. "Different capacity" is more appropriate when discussing a single entity's varying potential.

How does "different capacities" compare to "different skills"?

"Different skills" refers specifically to learned or acquired abilities. "Different capacities" is broader, encompassing roles, functions, or inherent abilities that may not always be skills. For instance, team members might serve in "different capacities" based on both their skills and their assigned responsibilities.