in our capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in our capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about the role or limit of somebody or something. For example, "We are working in our capacity as volunteers to clean up the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think it has weakened us in our capacity to deal with terrorism.

The New Yorker

"So, my understanding of history gives me confidence in our capacity for renewal.

Stanford University

Most Haitians only ever meet Westerners in our capacity as self-appointed helpers.

The New York Times

"We will do everything in our capacity to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice".

The New York Times

"We have provided, are providing and will provide any support in our capacity on that matter".

The New York Times

He conveys a very dim view of the world today and scant trust in our capacity to cope with it.

The New Yorker

Her answers are sometimes self-evident, but they are never without faith in our capacity for emotional redemption.

The New York Times - Books

But his answer, to stop going, shows excessive faith in our capacity to produce evidence of benefit.

The New York Times

While some believe in our capacity to think and act rationally, others argue that reality is all but a construct.

Nature

And have confidence in our capacity to assimilate people," Mr. Bush said recently on the ABC program "This Week".

The New York Times

But also a crisis of confidence — in our leadership, in Europe itself, in our capacity to find solutions".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in our capacity", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what 'our' refers to, preventing confusion about whose ability or role is being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "in our capacity" when the roles and responsibilities are already clearly defined. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound redundant and less impactful. Instead, let the context speak for itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in our capacity" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying the role, ability, or function under which an action is performed. As indicated by Ludwig, it is used to define the limitations or context of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in our capacity" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to define the role, ability, or function under which an action is performed. As highlighted by Ludwig, it helps clarify the scope and limitations of actions, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's essential to ensure its use adds clarity and avoids redundancy. Consider alternatives like "within our capabilities" or "in our role as" to maintain variety and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within our capabilities

Focuses on the extent of ability or resources available.

in our professional capacity

Specifies actions taken related to one's profession or expertise.

to the best of our ability

Emphasizes the effort and skill applied within one's limitations.

in our role as

Highlights the specific function or position someone holds.

in our official function

Refers to a formal or designated responsibility.

under our authority

Indicates actions taken with granted power or jurisdiction.

within our power

Suggests acting according to one's control or influence.

in our competence

Highlights the skill and knowledge to perform a task.

as part of our job

Indicates an action that is a required duty or responsibility.

to the extent of our resources

Highlights limits in the extent of resources.

FAQs

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

Use "in our capacity" to specify the role, ability, or function under which someone or something is acting. For example, "In our capacity as volunteers, we organized the beach cleanup."

What are some alternatives to "in our capacity"?

Alternatives include phrases like "within our capabilities", "in our role as", or "under our authority" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in our capacities" instead of "in our capacity"?

While both are grammatically correct, "in our capacities" refers to multiple roles or abilities, whereas "in our capacity" refers to a specific, singular role or ability. Choose the one that fits the context more accurately.

What's the difference between "in our capacity" and "in our ability"?

"In our capacity" refers to the role or function under which someone is acting, while "in our ability" refers to the actual skill or competence to do something. The former defines the context of action, while the latter defines the potential for action.