have limited capabilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'have limited capabilities' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the idea that a person or thing is not able to do certain things or is limited in what they can do. For example, "Computers have limited capabilities compared to humans when it comes to creative tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I do my best to help, but we have limited capabilities.

The Guardian

Until now reading aids for the visually impaired and the blind have been cumbersome devices that recognize text in restricted environments, or, more recently, have been software applications on smartphones that have limited capabilities.

The New York Times - Science

The robots, known as Spheres (Synchronised Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental satellites), currently have limited capabilities.

BBC

However, these languages have limited capabilities for describing multi-disciplinary aspects.

Procedia Computer Science

Some metrics, for example, double-logged fractal dimension, are found to have limited capabilities in differentiating landscape structures.

Landscape and Urban Planning

"Template-driven solutions tend to produce apps that all look the same and have limited capabilities," said Fitterman, who is now CTO of EachScape.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"They have limited capability here [in Europe]," he says.

The Guardian

Judged to have limited capability for work-related activity, in which case they are placed in the support group.

The Guardian

Judged to have limited capability for work, in which case they are placed in the work-related activity group.

The Guardian

The assessment need take no consideration of the "real world" of work, and even if you are found to have "limited capability for work" after one year, that won't matter either and you will still lose all support.

The Guardian - Opinion

The simple fractal dimension was found to have limited capability.

Ecological Modelling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have limited capabilities", clearly specify what those limitations are. Instead of saying 'The software has limited capabilities', specify 'The software has limited capabilities for processing large datasets'.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the extent of the limitations. Instead of saying 'The device has absolutely no capabilities', be precise: 'The device has limited capabilities for high-resolution imaging'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have limited capabilities" functions as a descriptive predicate, attributing a characteristic (limited ability) to a subject. Ludwig AI shows its usage across various domains to qualify entities with some form of constraint or deficiency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have limited capabilities" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to describe constraints or deficiencies in a subject's ability to perform certain functions. Ludwig AI considers it acceptable for use in various contexts, primarily science and news media, with a neutral register. When writing, specify the limitations and avoid exaggeration. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "possess restricted abilities" or "lack full functionality". While the phrase is reasonably common, it's important to ensure clarity and precision in conveying the specific limitations involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack full functionality

Focuses on the absence of complete or optimal operational abilities.

possess restricted abilities

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to convey a similar meaning of constrained abilities.

are underpowered

Suggests a lack of sufficient power or resources.

are not fully equipped

This phrase suggests a lack of necessary tools or resources to perform effectively.

operate with constraints

This alternative emphasizes the existence of limitations affecting functionality or performance.

are not all that skilled

Highlights a deficiency in expertise or skill.

encounter certain restrictions

This highlights the experience of facing specific limitations.

are challenged in some areas

Emphasizes the difficulties faced in specific domains.

are somewhat deficient

This phrase indicates a lack or shortage in some aspect of capability.

face certain shortcomings

Points to the presence of flaws or inadequacies.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have limited capabilities"?

You can use alternatives such as "possess restricted abilities", "lack full functionality", or "are not fully equipped" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is said to "have limited capabilities"?

It means that the thing in question cannot perform all functions, or cannot perform certain functions to a high degree of proficiency. It implies some sort of restriction or inadequacy.

Which is correct, "have limited capability" or "have limited capabilities"?

Both are technically correct, but "have limited capabilities" is more commonly used and generally refers to multiple potential functions. "Have limited capability" might refer to a single, general function.

Is "have limited capabilities" a formal or informal expression?

It is a relatively neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "possess restricted abilities" may be preferable in very formal writing.