have the capability to

USAGE SUMMARY

"have the capability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the potential for someone or something to do something. For example, "This video editor has the capability to add special effects to your clips."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We don't have the capability to intercept boats.

The Guardian

Does the west have the capability to do that?

The Guardian

"They have the capability to move mass numbers of people pretty quickly," he said.

The Guardian

"We have the capability to raise it," an adviser to Mr. Bush said.

The New York Times

"Blizzard will not and does not have the capability to restore any deceased hard-core characters.

The New York Times

"But I think we understand that we have the capability to beat anybody in the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

Others groups would have to fight Nusra, something they do not have the capability to do.

The New York Times

He answers: "You have to ask yourself, which countries have the capability to produce polonium?

The Guardian

We have the capability to make the world's first bionic man".

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

These signatures have the capability to affect Earth surface processes.

Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene

We have already proved that we have the capability to respond to HIV and Aids.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have the capability to" when emphasizing the existence of a potential or inherent ability, rather than simply stating an action can be performed.

Common error

Avoid using "have the capability to" in sentences where "can" or "be able to" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have the capability to" functions as a modal expression indicating the potential or inherent ability to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have the capability to" is a versatile expression used to denote the potential or inherent ability to perform an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While effective, be mindful of overusing it in simple sentences where alternatives like "can" or "be able to" would suffice. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively leverage "have the capability to" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of

A more concise alternative using the adjective "capable".

be able to

A simpler and more direct way of expressing ability.

can

The simplest and most direct way to express ability.

possess the ability to

Highlights the possession of a particular skill or capacity.

have the potential to

Focuses on the inherent possibility rather than a guaranteed ability.

be equipped to

Emphasizes the provision of necessary resources or tools.

be in a position to

Indicates a favorable circumstance allowing for a specific action.

have what it takes to

An idiomatic expression indicating the necessary qualities or skills.

be apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or inclination.

be predisposed to

Implies a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "have the capability to"?

You can use alternatives like "be able to", "be capable of", or "possess the ability to" depending on the context.

How to use "have the capability to" in a sentence?

You can use "have the capability to" to indicate that someone or something has the potential or inherent ability to perform a specific action. For example, "The new software has the capability to analyze large datasets quickly."

Which is correct, "have the capability to" or "have the ability to"?

Both phrases are correct, but "have the ability to" is generally more common and can be used in a wider range of contexts. "Have the capability to" is often used to emphasize a more inherent or specialized capacity.

What's the difference between "have the capability to" and "have the potential to"?

"Have the capability to" implies an existing, though perhaps unproven, ability. "Have the potential to" suggests an undeveloped capacity that could be realized in the future.