have capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability or potential to hold, contain, or accommodate something, whether in a physical, mental, or organizational context. Example: "The conference room can have capacity for up to 100 attendees, making it suitable for large meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have capacity no one else has.

Independent

Did she have capacity to do that?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said: "The airport does have capacity.

The Guardian

All wireless carriers have capacity problems.

The New York Times - Tech

They don't have capacity, she says.

The Guardian

We don't have capacity for more victims.

The New York Times

You cannot force someone to eat if they have capacity," he told the Sunday Times.

The Guardian

We just don't have capacity to fit them all in, given the numbers that are arriving.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like every adult, she was presumed to have capacity unless the contrary was proved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other people have capacity but they don't know what to do with it.

The Guardian

They also have capacity controls, so certain flights may be virtually impossible.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing mental or legal competency, pair "have capacity" with a clear definition of what the capacity refers to, such as "have capacity to make decisions".

Common error

Avoid using "have capacity" loosely without specifying the area of capability. For example, instead of saying "the system has capacity", specify "the system has capacity for data processing" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have capacity" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it's usable in written English to describe the ability to hold, contain, or accommodate something physically, mentally, or organizationally. It indicates possession of the necessary space, resources, or capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have capacity" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the ability or potential to hold, contain, or accommodate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It is frequently used across diverse sources, notably in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, specify the exact type of capacity you're referencing. While the phrase "have capacity" is common, alternatives such as "possess the ability" or "be capable of" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess the ability

Replaces "have capacity" with a more formal expression emphasizing the inherent ability to perform a task.

be capable of

Focuses on the inherent capability or potential to do something, instead of just possessing the resources.

be equipped for

Highlights being prepared or fitted with what is necessary to handle something.

be able to handle

Emphasizes the practical ability to manage or deal with something.

have the resources for

Highlights the availability of necessary resources to achieve something.

have the potential for

Focuses on the future possibility and inherent qualities rather than current ability.

be in a position to

Indicates the right circumstances or situation to perform a task.

be prepared to

Highlights the readiness and willingness to undertake something.

be suitable for

Focuses on appropriateness and fitness for a specific purpose.

allow for

Emphasizes the possibility or allowance for something within a set of conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "have capacity" to indicate the ability or potential to hold, contain, or accommodate something. For example, "The stadium can "have capacity" for 50,000 fans".

What are some alternatives to "have capacity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "possess the ability", "be capable of", or "be equipped for".

When is it appropriate to use "have capacity" instead of "have the ability"?

"Have capacity" often refers to the potential to contain or handle something, while "have the ability" is broader and refers to the general skill or power to do something. Use ""have capacity"" when discussing limits or accommodation.

What does it mean when someone says a person "doesn't have capacity" in a legal or medical context?

In legal and medical contexts, "doesn't "have capacity"" typically means that the person lacks the mental ability to make informed decisions about their own affairs, such as healthcare or finances.