get a capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get a capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to acquiring a skill, ability, or feature, often in a technical or professional context. Example: "To improve our software, we need to get a capability for real-time data processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Rumsfeld's goal was to get a capability in place to take on a high-value target a standup group to hit quickly," a former high-level intelligence official told me.

The New Yorker

"Rumsfeld's goal was to get a capability in place to take on a high-value target — a standup group to hit quickly," a former high-level intelligence official told me.

The New Yorker

A special-access program, or SAP — subject to the Defense Department's most stringent level of security — was set up, with an office in a secure area of the Pentagon … "Rumsfeld's goal was to get a capability in place to take on a high-value target — a standup group to hit quickly," a former high-level intelligence official told me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Thornberry told the BBC's Sunday Politics: "The way that it works is that the Japanese have got a capability to build a nuclear bomb...[but] you can then put them on to, or you can use them, in various delivery forms.

The Guardian

6. (S) The King stressed that it was critical that we not allow Iran to get a nuclear capability.

The Guardian

But there is a counterargument: Why would Iran believe the threat if the United States, having said it would never allow Iran to get a nuclear capability, then allowed it?

The New York Times

We tried a couple of times to actually get a small capability, but it was — it's kind of hard to get it through the Congressional Budget process, anyway.

Forbes

What's so fascinating about semiconductors is the change continues to be quite rapid and that forces people to change just to get a competitive capability or to develop a new application.

Forbes

On Iran, he preferred a diplomatic solution, but if Iran did get a nuclear weapons capability he wanted the U.S. to step in as a "nuclear guarantor".

The Guardian

Francis Tse, a principal engineer at Xerox, says the idea is to "let people who know what they are doing get a lot of capability out of the equipment".Both Mr Dastin and Mr Kriesel express chagrin.

The Economist

On Iran, he preferred a diplomatic solution, but if Iran did get a nuclear weapons capability he wanted the U.S. to step in as a "nuclear guarantor". He put the blame for the Hariri assassination squarely on Syria.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get a capability", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific skill, ability, or feature is being acquired. For example, "We need to get a capability for processing large datasets".

Common error

Avoid using "get a capability" in contexts where a more specific verb would be more precise. Instead of "The company wants to get a capability," specify what the company aims to achieve, such as "The company wants to develop machine learning expertise."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a capability" functions as a verb phrase where "get" acts as a main verb indicating the act of acquiring or obtaining, and "a capability" serves as the direct object. It's used to express the action of gaining a specific skill or ability, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get a capability" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of acquiring a specific skill, ability, or feature. Ludwig AI has identified that it is most frequently used in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While not highly frequent, it serves a clear purpose in strategic and technical discussions. When writing, ensure that the context clarifies what specific skill or ability is being obtained and avoid using it in overly broad or vague situations. Alternatives like "acquire an ability" or "gain a competence" may provide a more precise or formal tone. The examples from Ludwig confirm the suitability and proper application of the phrase in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire an ability

Focuses on the act of gaining a skill or competence.

gain a competence

Similar to "acquire an ability" but suggests a broader range of skills.

develop a skill

Emphasizes the process of growth and improvement in a particular area.

build expertise

Focuses on gradually constructing deep knowledge and skill.

obtain a proficiency

Highlights the achievement of a high level of competence.

secure a capacity

Implies obtaining the potential or ability to do something.

attain a qualification

Specifically refers to achieving a formal standard of skill or knowledge.

cultivate a talent

Suggests nurturing and developing a natural aptitude.

foster competence

Highlights encouraging the development of an ability.

achieve mastery

Implies a comprehensive and expert level of skill.

FAQs

How can I use "get a capability" in a sentence?

You can use "get a capability" to describe acquiring a new skill or feature. For example, "We need to "get a capability" in data analytics to improve our decision-making."

What are some alternatives to "get a capability"?

Alternatives include "acquire an ability", "develop a skill", or "gain a competence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "gain a capability" or "get a capability"?

"Gain a capability" and ""get a capability"" are both grammatically correct. "Gain" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.

What's the difference between "getting a capability" and "having a capability"?

"Getting a capability" refers to the process of acquiring a new skill or ability, while "having a capability" indicates that the skill or ability is already possessed.