in that capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

"in that capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
We can use it to refer to a specific role or position. For example: "John has worked as a manager in that capacity for over 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although probably not in that capacity.

The Guardian

He served in that capacity for twenty years.

The New York Times

I want to be his friend in that capacity".

The Guardian

They were acting in that capacity in raising the fare.

The New York Times

He had served in that capacity since 1974.

The New York Times

"They're saying it's premature to diagnose him in that capacity".

The New York Times - Sports

In that capacity, he sued the Navy in Federal District Court in Manhattan.

The New York Times

It was in that capacity that we met in Jersey's Westminster office in September.

The Guardian

He was elected Chairman in 1994 and served in that capacity until 1997.

The New York Times

He served in that capacity for many years until his retirement in 1987.

The New York Times

He became chairman in 1989 and served in that capacity until 1992.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in that capacity" to clearly define the specific role or function someone is performing, especially when they have multiple roles.

Common error

Avoid using "in that capacity" in casual conversation; it's generally more appropriate for formal writing and professional settings. Simpler phrases like "as" or "being" may be more suitable in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in that capacity" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the role or position under which an action is performed. Ludwig examples show it clarifying the function being carried out. It usually introduces additional information by specifying from which position the subject is acting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in that capacity" is a useful tool for specifying a role or function, particularly in formal and professional contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. It functions as an adverbial phrase, offering clarity regarding actions taken within a particular role. While versatile, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in casual settings. Remember to use "in that capacity" when you need to clearly define someone's position and ensure your audience understands the context of their actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting in that role

Focuses on the act of performing a role, slightly emphasizing the action.

serving in that position

Emphasizes the official nature and duration of the role.

in the role of

Directly states the function being performed.

as a

More concise and general, suitable when the role is clear from context.

in that function

Replaces 'capacity' with 'function', focusing on purpose.

in that guise

Suggests a particular appearance or manner associated with the role.

under those terms

Highlights the conditions or agreements of the role.

by virtue of that office

Emphasizes the authority granted by a specific position.

in that designation

Highlights the formal naming or classification of the role.

in that responsibility

Directly references the duties and obligations tied to a specific role.

FAQs

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

Use "in that capacity" to specify a role or function someone is performing. For example, "As the team lead, she made critical decisions; "in that capacity", her judgment was highly valued."

What's a simpler alternative to "in that capacity"?

Depending on the context, you can use simpler alternatives like "as", "being", or "in the role of".

When is it appropriate to use "in that capacity"?

"In that capacity" is suitable for formal writing and professional settings where you need to clearly define someone's role or function.

Is "in that capacity" interchangeable with "in this capacity"?

Yes, "in that capacity" and "in this capacity" are often interchangeable, though "in that capacity" might refer to a previously mentioned role, while "in this capacity" refers to a role that is currently happening.