expand the capabilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expand the capabilities" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used whenever there is a need to describe the act of increasing or improving the abilities, features, or range of something. Example: Our company is looking to expand the capabilities of our new software to include better data analysis tools.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Their vision was that a cluster would expand the capabilities and horizons of small companies.

The New York Times

Comverse provides software and systems that expand the capabilities of computer networks.

The New York Times

I assume Microsoft will A) expand the capabilities of the mobile version and B) create an Android version.

The Guardian - Opinion

To expand the capabilities of biosensors, there is a need to develop new signaling molecules.

Optical Biosensors Present and Future

A mapping technique is introduced to expand the capabilities of current control field design procedures.

Chemical Physics Letters

Work is on-going to further expand the capabilities of the model, including 3D simulations, vertical cylinders, and uncertainty quantification.

Chemical Engineering Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

11 began to put pressure on us to expand the capability".

The New York Times

Beyond that, government and private foundations are increasing support of basic research into ways to expand the capability of the body's innate immune system without triggering an autoimmune response.

The New York Times

Thus, elevated temperature electrospinning has the potential to expand the capability of electrospinning to generate new functional nanofibers and nanostructures.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Recent launch of space-borne systems to estimate surface soil moisture may expand the capability to map soil moisture deficit and drought with global coverage.

Journal of Hydrology

The focus of this paper is to solve a general constrained optimization problem on a PLC and to expand the capability to solve a MPC example.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "expand the capabilities", ensure you clearly specify what you are expanding the capabilities of to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "expand the capabilities" without specifying the object or system whose capabilities are being expanded. For example, instead of saying "We need to expand the capabilities", specify "We need to expand the capabilities of our software".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expand the capabilities" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe the action of improving or increasing the abilities, features, or potential of something. Ludwig provides examples that show this phrase in both scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expand the capabilities" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express the enhancement or improvement of abilities. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is common in scientific and news contexts. For clarity, it is best practice to specify what is having its capabilities expanded. Common errors involve vagueness, so it is crucial to clearly define the object or system being enhanced. Alternatives such as "increase the capacity" and "enhance the functionality" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase the capacity

Focuses on increasing the amount that something can contain or produce.

enhance the functionality

Highlights improving how something works or its features.

develop the potential

Emphasizes the growth and realization of inherent abilities.

broaden the scope

Indicates making something more comprehensive or extensive.

improve the performance

Focuses on making something work better or more effectively.

augment the features

Highlights adding to or enhancing the existing features.

extend the reach

Indicates increasing the range or influence of something.

amplify the power

Emphasizes increasing the strength or effectiveness.

maximize the utility

Focuses on getting the most use or value out of something.

build up the strength

Suggests gradually increasing the power or resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "expand the capabilities" in a sentence?

You can use "expand the capabilities" to describe improving or increasing the potential of something, such as "The new update will expand the capabilities of the application".

What is a formal alternative to "expand the capabilities"?

A more formal alternative would be "enhance the functionality" or "augment the features". These options are appropriate for professional or academic writing.

Is it correct to say "expand on the capabilities" instead of "expand the capabilities"?

While "expand on" can mean to elaborate, it doesn't directly replace "expand the capabilities". "Expand the capabilities" focuses on increasing potential, while "expand on" means to provide more detail.

What does it mean to "extend the reach" compared to "expand the capabilities"?

To "extend the reach" often means to increase the influence or range, while "expand the capabilities" refers to improving inherent abilities or features.