gains the capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gains the capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone has acquired or learned the necessary skills, knowledge, power, or authority to do something. For example: "After studying hard, he finally gained the capability to speak fluent French."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The femtocell architecture benefits from using cognitive radio in that it gains the capability of sensing its environment and can thereupon adapt its configuration based on the sensed information.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it was an indication that although Ethiopia still suffers preventable tragedies, it may well have gained the capability to prevent catastrophe.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is likely that the next president will face a North Korea that has gained the capability to strike the United States with nuclear weapons.

The Washington Post

Rwandan researchers will gain the capability using computer codes to calculate regional greenhouse gas sources and sinks, climate change, and air pollution.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As newspapers make the transition to the Web, the importance to reporters of landing on Page 1 will probably fade as readers gain the capability to customize the kinds of stories delivered to them.

The New York Times

In the future, we cannot rule out that terrorist groups could gain the capability to strike us with nuclear weapons if they seized even temporary control of a state with an existing nuclear weapons establishment.

The New York Times

It has also denied accusations that it is covertly working to gain the capability to make nuclear weapons, and it rejected the energy agency's report as a fabrication.

The New York Times

Israeli red lines have come and gone in the past.A while ago, Israel wanted it to be thought that Iran would face attack if it gained the capability to build a nuclear weapon.

The Economist

And he is not ready to accept a central part of Israel's strategic calculation: that an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities would be warranted to stop it from gaining the capability to build a nuclear weapon, rather than later, to stop it from actually manufacturing one.

The New York Times

Apple added picture-in-picture to the iPad in iOS 9 and Android is now gaining the capability, too.

TechCrunch

Sometime in the next month, Fans of Apple should gain the capability to poll its members, courtesy of Scoople.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gains the capability", ensure it's followed by a clear description of what specific action or outcome the capability enables. For instance, "The software update gains the capability to process larger datasets" is more effective than simply stating "The software gains the capability."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "gains the capability". Ensure the stated capability genuinely represents a significant improvement or advancement, and not a minor or incremental change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gains the capability" functions as a verb phrase indicating the acquisition of a new skill, power, or capacity. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across various contexts, from technology to international relations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gains the capability" is a grammatically sound way to express the acquisition of a new skill or capacity. While not exceedingly common, as indicated by its "Rare" frequency, it finds use in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and can be used to describe advancements or new developments. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify what specific action the gained capability enables. While synonyms like "acquires the capacity" or "develops the ability" exist, the choice depends on the precise nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acquires the capacity

Substitutes "acquires" for "gains" and "capacity" for "capability", offering a more formal alternative.

Develops the ability

Replaces "gains" with "develops" and "capability" with "ability", emphasizing a gradual process.

Becomes capable of

Shifts the phrasing to focus on the state of being capable, rather than the act of gaining.

Attains the proficiency

Uses "attains" for "gains" and "proficiency" for "capability", suggesting a higher level of skill.

Secures the means

Employs "secures" to emphasize gaining possession of resources or methods.

Achieves the competence

Replaces "gains" with "achieves" and "capability" with "competence", indicating successful attainment of a skill.

Grows to be able to

Expresses a gradual increase in ability over time.

Obtains the potential

Highlights the acquisition of untapped possibilities rather than a concrete skill.

Cultivates the talent

Suggests nurturing and growing an innate aptitude.

Masters the art

Implies achieving a high level of expertise and control in a specific area.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "gains the capability"?

You could use phrases like "acquires the capacity" or "attains the proficiency" for a more formal tone.

How does "gains the capability" differ from "develops the ability"?

"Gains the capability" suggests acquiring a new skill or power, while "develops the ability" implies a gradual improvement and refinement of an existing skill.

Can I use "gains the capability" in academic writing?

Yes, "gains the capability" is acceptable in academic writing, but consider using more precise or formal alternatives depending on the context and field.

What are some common synonyms for "capability"?

Synonyms for "capability" include "ability", "capacity", "proficiency", "competence", and "potential", each with slightly different nuances.