intellectual capabilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual capabilities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's mental abilities, skills, or potential in an academic or professional context. Example: "The program is designed to enhance students' intellectual capabilities through critical thinking exercises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"We're not looking for intellectual capabilities".

The New York Times - Tech

"Her intellectual capabilities are truly outstanding".

The New York Times

The important thing is to still have your intellectual capabilities.

The Guardian

It defies your intellectual capabilities to comprehend it".

The New York Times

But temperament, intellectual capabilities and many other traits do.

The New York Times - Science

Soon after, his use of the nonword "subliminable" brought back the persistent question of his intellectual capabilities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The article points out that chimps lack the intellectual capability to fashion such tools.

The New York Times

Later, Ford notes, "A computer doesn't need to replicate the entire spectrum of your intellectual capability in order to displace you from your job; it only needs to do the specific things you are paid to do".

The New Yorker

Influenced by Plato's philosophy, Christian theologians identified the image of God in human beings only in their intellectual capability and faculty of perception and not in their body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you use your ears more than your mouth, you absorb things, you visually understand what's happening and then you need to have an intellectual capability to bring those together that then creates for you an insight into cultures, into religion, into why things are happening.

The New York Times

Your intellectual capability is of no meaningful importance to your success in most corporate environments.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure "intellectual capabilities" is followed by specific examples or evidence to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual capabilities" as a vague compliment; instead, pinpoint specific skills or areas of competence to provide a more accurate and meaningful assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual capabilities" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object or complement in a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it describes the range and strength of cognitive abilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellectual capabilities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the range of cognitive skills and potential an individual possesses. Ludwig AI highlights that it's suitable for various contexts, particularly News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, consider specific skills instead of generic usage to offer more accuracy. Alternatives like "cognitive abilities" or "mental faculties" offer subtle differences in meaning. Whether in academia, business, or general discussions, "intellectual capabilities" serves as a valuable term for articulating mental strengths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Intellectual capacity

Is very similar, but uses the singular form of "capacity".

Cognitive abilities

Focuses specifically on cognitive functions like memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.

Cognitive capacities

Similar to cognitive abilities, highlighting the capacity for cognitive functions.

Mental capacity

Refers to the overall capacity of the mind to function effectively.

Mental faculties

Emphasizes inherent mental powers and capacities, often in a more philosophical context.

Mental prowess

Implies exceptional skill and ability in intellectual pursuits.

Reasoning abilities

Emphasizes the capacity for logical thought and inference.

Thinking skills

Highlights specific abilities related to thinking and reasoning processes.

Problem-solving skills

Focuses on the ability to analyze and resolve problems effectively.

Learning potential

Highlights the capacity to acquire new knowledge and skills.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "intellectual capabilities" in a sentence?

Use "intellectual capabilities" to refer to a person's range of cognitive abilities. For example, "The curriculum is designed to enhance students' intellectual capabilities".

What are some alternatives to "intellectual capabilities"?

You can use alternatives like "cognitive abilities", "mental faculties", or "intellectual capacity" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "intellectual capacity" or "intellectual capabilities"?

Both are correct, but "intellectual capabilities" suggests a broader range of abilities, while "intellectual capacity" often refers to a general level or potential.

How do "intellectual capabilities" differ from general intelligence?

"Intellectual capabilities" refers to a collection of specific cognitive skills, while general intelligence encompasses overall mental reasoning and problem-solving abilities.