in the capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate the role or general function of someone or something. Example: She was hired in the capacity of a software engineer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Kingman worked mainly in the capacity of a lobbyist.

The New Yorker

He believes vehemently in the capacity for kindness.

The Guardian - Film

Your wife merely acts in the capacity of foreman".

The New Yorker

They fear a reduction in the capacity available to freight.

The Economist

I have almost total faith in the capacity of the group to find a way through".

The New Yorker

These revolutionary advances in the capacity of the human mind occurred without genetic change.

The Guardian - Tech

Trump also presides over more companies in the capacity of director, chairman, trustee or member.

The Guardian

And, usually, I take pleasure in the capacity of a song to say what I cannot.

The New Yorker

Holly, helping out for the day in the capacity of PR, looks up.

The Guardian

"Significant numbers of our members have lost confidence in the capacity of the minister.

The Guardian

"Hopefully he will stay at the club and work in the capacity of technical director.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the capacity" to clearly define someone's role or function within a specific context, especially when the individual may have multiple roles.

Common error

While "in the capacity" is generally acceptable, consider whether a simpler phrase like "as" or "acting as" would be more appropriate for the context. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the capacity" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, specifying the role, function, or position in which someone is acting. It adds clarity by defining the scope of their actions or responsibilities. Ludwig confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the capacity" is a prepositional phrase used to specify the role or function someone or something performs within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely employed. The phrase frequently appears in News & Media, Scientific and Formal & Business contexts, highlighting its versatility across diverse registers. While perfectly correct, writers are encouraged to consider simpler alternatives like "as" or "acting as" for enhanced clarity and conciseness. Ludwig examples show how authoritative sources employ the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the role of

Directly states the role being occupied.

acting as

Focuses on the action of fulfilling a role, rather than the formal designation.

serving as

Highlights the service or duty aspect of the role.

in the position of

Highlights the hierarchical or organizational placement of the role.

working as

Emphasizes the labor or activity involved in the role.

functioning as

Stresses the operational aspect of the role.

as a

A more concise way to indicate a role or function.

under the designation of

Focuses on the official title or label of the role.

with the responsibilities of

Emphasizes the duties and tasks associated with the role.

tasked with

Highlights the assignments and objectives of the role.

FAQs

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

Use "in the capacity" to specify the role or function someone is performing, such as "She served in the capacity of a consultant".

What phrases are similar to "in the capacity"?

You can use alternatives like "acting as", "serving as", or "in the role of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "in the capacity of" or just "as"?

While both are correct, "in the capacity of" is more formal. "As a" is often sufficient and less wordy, depending on the context.

When should I use "in the capacity" instead of a simpler alternative?

Use "in the capacity" when you need to emphasize the formal or official nature of someone's role, or when they may have other roles that need to be distinguished.