her capacity to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "her capacity to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability or potential to perform a specific action or task. Example: "Her capacity to lead the team effectively was evident during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And she admires Fitzgerald, "the most writerly of women writers", for "her capacity to hint at the dark.

The Guardian - Books

No, what is extraordinary is her capacity to memorize.

The New York Times

Outside the cage, Rousey is genial but unapologetic about her capacity to inflict harm.

The New Yorker

She is known for her capacity to get as down and dirty as anyone.

The New York Times

It remains difficult to account for the depth of Wharton's pessimism and her capacity to terrify.

The New Yorker

Her capacity to suffuse melodies with precise feelings and power, to flood them, really, is rare.

The New Yorker

Her capacity to absorb and retain esoteric information is a function of a ravenous intellect.

The Guardian - Books

There were also concerns about her capacity to work with her former rival Obama.

The Guardian

Today she is voting for herself, proving her capacity to think and to choose.

The Guardian

Her capacity to be still, says Joffe, is one of Watkins's best qualities.

The Guardian

Really, anyone, and his or her "capacity to think and feel" will be expanded indeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "her capacity to" when you want to emphasize someone's potential or inherent ability to do something, especially when it involves a mental or emotional attribute. For instance, "her capacity to empathize" highlights her inherent ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Common error

Avoid using "her capacity to" when a more direct word like "ability" or "skill" would suffice. Overusing "capacity" can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted. Choose the simplest and clearest word that conveys your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "her capacity to" functions as a determiner followed by a noun (capacity) and an infinitive (to + verb). This structure introduces a description of someone's inherent or potential ability. Ludwig AI indicates that this is acceptable and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "her capacity to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates someone's inherent or potential ability. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is particularly prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts. While "her ability to" can often be used interchangeably, "her capacity to" emphasizes potential. When writing, be mindful of the register and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

her ability to

Replaces "capacity" with "ability", a direct synonym focusing on inherent skill.

her capability to

Substitutes "capacity" with "capability", emphasizing the potential for action.

her potential to

Focuses on the unrealized possibility rather than demonstrated ability.

her aptitude for

Highlights a natural inclination or talent toward something.

her power to

Emphasizes the strength or authority someone possesses to act.

her skill in

Replaces "capacity" with "skill", highlighting a learned proficiency.

her talent for

Emphasizes a natural gift or innate ability.

her readiness to

Focuses on her willingness and preparedness to undertake something.

her means to

Highlights the resources or opportunities available to achieve something.

her wherewithal to

Emphasizes the necessary resources or skills to achieve a particular end.

FAQs

How can I use "her capacity to" in a sentence?

Use "her capacity to" to describe someone's inherent or developed ability to do something. For example: "Her capacity to lead the team effectively was evident during the project" or "Assess her capacity to handle complex tasks before assigning the project".

What are some alternatives to "her capacity to"?

Alternatives to "her capacity to" include "her ability to", "her capability to", or "her potential to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "her capacity to" and "her ability to"?

While "her capacity to" and "her ability to" are often interchangeable, "capacity" can suggest a potential that may not yet be fully realized, while "ability" implies a demonstrated skill.

When is it best to use "her capacity to" over "her skill in"?

"Her capacity to" is more appropriate when referring to an inherent potential or ability, while "her skill in" is better suited for describing a learned or developed expertise in a specific area. For example, "her capacity to forgive" versus "her skill in negotiation".