its capacity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "its capacity for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the potential or ability of something to perform a specific function or hold a certain quality. Example: "The research highlights its capacity for innovation in technology development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It discovers its capacity for disappointment as soon as the other side wins).

The New York Times - Magazine

Even as the meaning has morphed, it's maintained its capacity for paradox.

Forbes

Something's life can be restored only if it has lost its capacity for vital processes.

SEP

In its three months of incubation, it grows exponentially in its capacity for thought.

The New Yorker

If Scotland cannot handle this, it does not say much for its capacity for self-rule.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although it is known that P. destructans reproduces asexually, its capacity for sexual reproduction is unknown.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

It's the crystalline example of GoldenEye's strange, distinctive flavour, its capacity for both novelty and aesthetic flair.

Vice

It's the crystalline example of GoldenEye's strange, distinctive flavor, its capacity for both novelty and aesthetic flair.

Vice

And Greece retains its capacity for trouble.

The Economist

And second, its capacity for self-criticism.

The New York Times

Arizona looks set to maintain its capacity for surprise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "its capacity for" when you want to emphasize the potential or ability of something to develop, hold, or manage a particular attribute or function. For example, "The city's infrastructure needs to be improved to enhance its capacity for handling increased traffic."

Common error

Avoid overstating the actual capabilities. Using "its capacity for" implies a potential that might not be fully realized. Ensure that the context supports the claim of existing or developing ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "its capacity for" functions as a noun phrase indicating the potential or ability of something to perform a specific action or exhibit a certain quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, illustrated in examples describing various entities ranging from political entities to works of art.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "its capacity for" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the ability or potential of something. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, and the phrase finds frequent application in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While its register is generally neutral to formal, its consistent usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and clarity. Writers should use it to highlight potential abilities, being mindful of the context to avoid overstatement. Related phrases such as "its potential to" or "its ability to" offer slight variations in emphasis, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

its potential to

Focuses on the inherent possibility rather than the demonstrated ability.

its capability to

Highlights the inherent ability or power to do something.

its ability to

Emphasizes a general skill or competence.

its aptitude for

Implies a natural talent or inclination.

its skill in

Highlights a developed proficiency.

its competence in

Highlights the quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually.

its facility with

Suggests ease and skill in performing something.

its readiness for

Emphasizes a state of preparedness or willingness.

its room for

Focuses on available space or opportunity.

its forte is

Stresses something at which a person excels.

FAQs

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

Use "its capacity for" to describe the potential or ability of something to perform a specific action or embody a certain quality. For example, "The new software demonstrates "its capacity for" innovation."

What are some alternatives to "its capacity for"?

Alternatives include "its ability to", "its potential for", or "its capability to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it's capacity for" instead of "its capacity for"?

No, "it's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has", while "its" is the possessive form. Therefore, "its capacity for" is the correct form to use when indicating possession or a characteristic of something.

How does "its capacity for" differ from "its potential for"?

"Its capacity for" often refers to a current or developing ability, while "its potential for" emphasizes an unrealized possibility or future capability.