intellectual capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

"intellectual capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to a person's mental abilities, talents, or aptitudes. For example, "She gained entrance to the university due to her high intellectual capacity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His intellectual capacity has also been underestimated.

The New Yorker

Never underestimate people's tastes or intellectual capacity.

The Guardian

Higher intellectual capacity was not immediately affected.

The Guardian - Books

Aziz had the intellectual capacity to talk through the issues.

The Guardian

But there was never any doubt about her intellectual capacity.

The New York Times

They thought that verve, intellectual capacity, originality, bravery became incarnate.

The Guardian

If memory is compromised, so is your intellectual capacity.

The Guardian - Film

He has the intellectual capacity to grow and change.

The New York Times

Second, intellectual capacity influences the development of adaptive behavior.

Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II Clinical Use and Interpretation

When I watch TV, if I understand every sentence, it means it's below my intellectual capacity.

The Guardian

His curiosity and intellectual capacity were astonishing, and he influenced me in many ways.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential, use "intellectual capacity" to refer to someone's existing mental abilities and their potential for further development.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual capacity" interchangeably with Intelligence Quotient (IQ). While IQ is a measure of intelligence, "intellectual capacity" encompasses a broader range of mental abilities and potential, not solely what's captured in an IQ score.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual capacity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the inherent or developed mental ability of an individual or group. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellectual capacity" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that refers to a person's mental abilities, talents, or aptitudes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. As evidenced by the numerous examples, the phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using "intellectual capacity", consider alternatives like "mental aptitude" or "cognitive ability" to add nuance to your writing. Be sure to distinguish "intellectual capacity" from IQ, as the former is a broader concept. Utilize "intellectual capacity" to describe an existing range of mental abilities or potentials for future growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual potential

Focuses on the undeveloped capacity for intellectual growth.

mental aptitude

Focuses more on innate abilities rather than developed capacity.

cognitive ability

Emphasizes the mental processes involved in knowing, learning, and understanding.

mental capability

Highlights the potential to perform mental tasks.

learning ability

Focuses specifically on the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills.

thinking skills

Emphasizes the skills involved in the process of thinking and problem-solving.

brainpower

A more informal way to refer to intellectual ability or intelligence.

mental prowess

Suggests a high level of skill and expertise in intellectual pursuits.

reasoning ability

Highlights the ability to think logically and draw conclusions.

cognitive resources

Refers to the mental resources available for cognitive tasks.

FAQs

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

You can use "intellectual capacity" to describe someone's mental ability or potential, as in "The program is designed to enhance the students' intellectual capacity".

What are some alternatives to "intellectual capacity"?

Alternatives include "mental aptitude", "cognitive ability", or "intellectual potential", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "intellectual capacity" the same as intelligence?

"Intellectual capacity" refers to the general ability to learn, understand, and reason. Intelligence is a related but broader concept, often encompassing creativity, emotional intelligence, and practical skills. However, for the purpose of assessing someone's mental power, the terms are usually interchangeable.

How does education affect "intellectual capacity"?

Education plays a crucial role in developing and expanding one's "intellectual capacity" by providing opportunities for learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving.