increase capacity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increase capacity for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the enhancement of ability, resources, or potential in a specific area or context. Example: "Our goal is to increase capacity for renewable energy production in the coming years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Many carriers desperately need to increase capacity for new customers, which may have driven up bids in the auction.

The New York Times - Tech

Car drivers in the city are exasperated – and the mayor's solution (named Solución Vial Guayasamín) is to build two new road bridges and add more lanes to busy highways like Interoceánica to increase capacity for Quito's cars.

The Guardian

"With train use continuing to grow significantly, options to increase capacity for passengers need to be explored and bidders will be asked to consider how they might do this based on current passenger usage and predicted growth," it says.

The Guardian

Councillor Paul Andrews, Executive Member for Adult Health and Wellbeing for Manchester City Council, said: "A team of officers from across the council are actively looking at potential buildings to increase capacity for evening and overnight accommodation so that no one has to sleep outside during winter months.

Independent

They will only increase capacity for hundreds of Indian students, not millions".

BBC

Investment in high speed rail to increase capacity for freight trains and regional trains on both the conventional network and on dedicated freight railways (see Fig. 9).

European Transport Research Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

To its proponents it offers vastly increased capacity for new channels, interactivity and ease of use.

The Guardian

And let's remove the state HOV restrictions on the Long Island Expressway, which will allow increased capacity for this crucial artery.

The New York Times

This is a convenient ideology from the point of view of those who stand to profit from our working harder, and our increased capacity for consumer spending.

The Guardian - Tech

Theresa May told MPs she would draw on the existing resources of professional standards departments of individual police forces to provide the increased capacity for the IPCC.

The Guardian

"This means increased capacity for producers, more jobs in processing and more exports for the U.S. economy," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to improve an organization's ability to manage increased demand, use "increase capacity for" to accurately convey the need for scalable resources and improved workflows.

Common error

Avoid using "increase capacity for" when you actually mean "increase capability for". "Capacity" refers to the maximum amount something can contain or produce, while "capability" refers to the ability to do something. Ensure your wording accurately reflects whether you're increasing the size/volume or the ability to perform a task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase capacity for" primarily functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun and preposition, indicating an action aimed at expanding the potential or resources available for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increase capacity for" is a versatile expression used to describe expanding or enhancing the potential or resources available for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts. It appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and business reports, indicating its widespread applicability. Understanding the nuances of "increase capacity for" and its alternatives, such as "expand the ability to" or "enhance the potential of", can help writers choose the most precise wording for their intended meaning. Common errors include confusing "capacity" with "capability", so careful attention to word choice is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boost the capability of

Replaces 'capacity' with 'capability', implying a more active sense of being able.

expand the ability to

Focuses on the ability rather than the general term capacity.

enhance the potential of

Emphasizes the potential aspect, suggesting a latent capability.

augment the resources for

Highlights resources as the element being increased, rather than capacity itself.

enlarge the scope of

Highlights broadening the range or extent of something.

develop the facility for

Implies creating or improving a specific aptitude or skill.

improve the aptitude for

Specifies improving a natural inclination or talent.

build up the competence in

Suggests creating competence over time, instead of a static capacity.

extend the reach to

Emphasizes making something available to a wider range or audience.

strengthen the power of

Connotes a more active and forceful kind of capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "increase capacity for" in a sentence?

You can use "increase capacity for" to describe efforts to expand resources, such as "The city plans to "increase capacity for" public transportation to accommodate more commuters".

What are some alternatives to "increase capacity for"?

Alternatives include "expand the ability to", "enhance the potential of", or "boost the capability of", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "increase capacity for" or "increase the capacity of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Increase capacity for" is generally used when followed by a broad area or category (e.g., research), while "increase the capacity of" is used when referring to a specific entity or system (e.g., the hospital).

What is the difference between "increase capacity for" and "improve capability for"?

"Increase capacity for" usually refers to expanding the volume or resources available, whereas "improve capability for" emphasizes enhancing skills or abilities.