having the capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having the capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing someone's ability, skill, or potential to do something. Example: "As the team leader, I have confidence in my colleagues' capabilities, knowing they are all highly qualified professionals who are capable of having the capacity to handle any challenge that comes our way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The puzzling thing would be having the capacity to rise above it.

The Guardian

And you wouldn't describe them as having the capacity to make people swoon".

The New York Times

We are unique among species in having the capacity and the opportunity to choose.

The New York Times

"They're compensating for not having the capacity to get all that interested in things.

The New York Times

What came out was the realisation that we couldn't keep responding to crisis without having the capacity to do so".

The Guardian

Having the capacity to do damage to your opponent even when you are on the ropes inspires fear.

The New Yorker

Getting things done meant grounding politics in "community values" and having "the capacity to be empathetic and emotionally intelligent".

The Guardian

Having the capacity to plan for future slum populations isn't just a problem limited to Africa though.

The Guardian

Beyond that, well – a food processor is a worthwhile, if pinching investment, having the capacity to chop, blend, purée, and make pastry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So if worst comes to worst... the next case is having the capacity in a different type of organisation... I'm not sure how that could happen".

The Guardian

For several years, Iran has been said to be one, two, or three years away from having the capacity to build a bomb.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having the capacity" to highlight a specific and measurable capability rather than general competence. This makes your writing more precise and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "having the capacity" to exaggerate potential without providing supporting evidence or a clear indication of how this capacity will be realized. Overstating potential can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having the capacity" functions as a verbal phrase that often introduces a description of someone or something's ability or potential. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having the capacity" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for expressing ability or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the examples demonstrate its versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the specific capability being described and avoid overstating potential without supporting evidence. Alternatives such as "being capable of" or "being able to" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being capable of

Focuses on the inherent ability to do something, suggesting a natural aptitude.

possessing the ability to

Highlights the ownership or inherent existence of a skill or talent.

being able to

A simpler alternative that emphasizes the possibility or permission to do something.

being equipped to

Implies having the necessary resources or preparation to handle something.

having the potential to

Focuses on the undeveloped possibility of achieving something.

being in a position to

Emphasizes the circumstances or situation that allows someone to do something.

commanding the resources to

Stresses control over the necessary means to accomplish a task.

being empowered to

Highlights the granting of authority or permission to act.

having what it takes to

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the necessary qualities or attributes.

being predisposed to

Suggests a natural inclination or tendency towards something.

FAQs

How can I use "having the capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "having the capacity" to describe the ability or potential of someone or something to perform a specific action or fulfill a particular role. For example, "The new software is "being capable of" processing large datasets quickly".

What are some alternatives to "having the capacity"?

Alternatives include "being capable of", "being able to", or "possessing the ability to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "having the capacity" or "being capable"?

Both "having the capacity" and "being capable of" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Having the capacity" can sometimes imply a greater degree of potential or readiness, while "being capable" focuses more on inherent ability.

What is the difference between "having the capacity" and "having the potential"?

"Having the capacity" suggests that all the necessary components or abilities are present, while "having the potential to" implies that the ability exists but may not yet be fully developed or realized. Capacity is more about current readiness; potential is about future possibility.