enormous capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enormous capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large ability or potential to hold, contain, or process something, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. Example: "The new data center has an enormous capacity for storing vast amounts of information, making it ideal for our growing needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Humans have enormous capacity for spatial memory.

MIT Technology Review

The ocean have an enormous capacity to take up carbon dioxide.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Marles says Australia has enormous capacity to assist Pacific Island nations.

The Guardian

"The Castros," he added, "have an enormous capacity to intimidate all Cubans".

The New York Times

And yet their enormous capacity for vulgarity was part of the energy of the band.

The Guardian - Music

Here was a young man who had found within himself an enormous capacity for forgiveness.

The New York Times

The other half is our enormous capacity for happiness, even in the absence of such things.

The New Yorker

But he had an enormous capacity for hatred, especially political hatred.

The New Yorker

It has such an enormous capacity for change, and such a profound inclination toward fairness.

The New York Times

A remarkable scholar and teacher, Charles inspired with his enormous capacity for friendship.

The New York Times

Our people demonstrated an enormous capacity to deliver in the face of uncertainty.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract qualities like potential or ability, use "enormous capacity" to emphasize a significantly high degree of that quality. For example, "The human mind has an "enormous capacity" for learning."

Common error

While "enormous capacity" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. In informal settings, simpler terms like "great ability" or "large potential" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enormous capacity" functions as a noun phrase, where "enormous" modifies the noun "capacity". Ludwig examples demonstrate it describing the scale of something whether physical (storage) or abstract (potential for change).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

28%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enormous capacity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something possessing a substantial ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate across varied contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. Alternatives like "immense capacity" or "vast capacity" offer similar emphasis. While versatile, avoid overuse in overly casual conversations where simpler terms might suffice. Using "enormous capacity" effectively enhances descriptions by highlighting scale and significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense capacity

Replaces "enormous" with a synonym conveying a similar sense of scale.

vast capacity

Uses "vast" as a synonym for "enormous", emphasizing the great extent of the capacity.

huge capacity

Substitutes "enormous" with "huge", another synonym indicating substantial size.

tremendous capacity

Replaces "enormous" with "tremendous", indicating a capacity of great magnitude.

large capacity

Employs "large" as a direct synonym for "enormous", indicating a significant amount.

exceptional capacity

Substitutes "enormous" with "exceptional", suggesting a capacity that is unusually high or outstanding.

substantial capacity

Replaces "enormous" with "substantial", highlighting the significant amount of capacity.

extensive capacity

Substitutes "enormous" with "extensive", emphasizing the wide-ranging nature of the capacity.

significant capacity

Uses "significant" as a replacement for "enormous", highlighting the importance of the capacity.

considerable capacity

Uses "considerable" instead of "enormous", suggesting a notable or significant capacity.

FAQs

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

You can use "enormous capacity" to describe something that has a very large ability to hold, contain, or perform. For example, "The stadium has an "enormous capacity" for spectators", or "She has an "enormous capacity" for empathy".

What can I say instead of "enormous capacity"?

You can use alternatives like "immense capacity", "vast capacity", or "huge capacity" depending on the context.

Is "enormous capacity" formal or informal?

"Enormous capacity" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in very casual settings, simpler terms may be preferred. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and register of your communication.

What is the difference between "enormous capacity" and "large capacity"?

While both phrases indicate a significant amount, "enormous capacity" suggests a greater degree or magnitude compared to "large capacity". "Enormous" emphasizes the scale or extent of the capacity more strongly.