little capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited amount of ability or skill in a particular area. Example: "The new software has little capability for advanced data analysis, which limits its usefulness for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

There is also little capability.

MIT Technology Review

"We would be devastated there, and lose what little capability we have," the senior official said.

The New Yorker

But China has little capability to find targets at sea at long-range, and the Sovremenny destroyers have no real way to defend against submarines.

The New York Times

But security experts say there are a multitude of anonymous payment systems that require no customer identification and have little capability to detect or report suspicious activities.

The New York Times - Tech

The damage will be greatest for poor countries in the developing world – it is there that climate extremes will be most severe and where there is little capability to adapt to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

"From a standpoint of being able to defend against an external threat, they have very limited to little capability, quite frankly," Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the departing American commander in Iraq, said in an interview after the ceremony.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A couple more dollars here, a little more capability there, often with few measurable gains.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Different scenarios have been adopted to examine the features individually and discard those with little discriminatory capability.

Pattern Recognition

With a staff of 60, little logistical capability and a budget of only $7 million, it has had minimal say in how Pemex operates.

The New York Times

The Chinese workers were left on their own with little language capability and limited food and water," the wife of one worker wrote on the microblogging site Sina Weibo.

The Guardian

Many Albanians are comparing the nascent Presevo insurgency to that of the K.L.A., which, despite little military capability, was strong enough to provoke a violent reaction from Mr. Milosevic's forces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little capability", ensure it is followed by a specific area or task to provide context. For example, "little capability in data analysis" is more informative than just "little capability".

Common error

Avoid using "little capability" without specifying the domain. Being specific enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation. Instead of saying "the system has little capability", specify the area where the capability is lacking, such as "the system has little capability for handling large datasets".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little capability" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It typically describes the extent or degree of an ability. The Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little capability" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a deficiency or lack of ability, skill, or power in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While "little capability" is common in news, science, and academic writing, ensure that you specify the area of deficiency for clarity. Alternatives like ""limited capacity"" or ""minimal ability"" can be used depending on the specific context. By following the best practices and avoiding overgeneralization, you can effectively use "little capability" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited capacity

Focuses on the extent of ability rather than just the presence of it.

minimal ability

Emphasizes the smallness of the ability.

scarce aptitude

Highlights the lack of inherent skill or talent.

insufficient power

Focuses on the inadequacy of strength or resources.

restricted potential

Suggests limitations on future development or achievement.

meager competence

Implies a basic level of skill that is barely adequate.

slight proficiency

Indicates a small degree of expertise or skill.

rudimentary skill

Highlights the basic and undeveloped nature of the skill.

marginal talent

Suggests the presence of talent is questionable or barely noticeable.

basic aptitude

Highlights the fundamental and introductory nature of the aptitude.

FAQs

How can I use "little capability" in a sentence?

You can use "little capability" to describe a lack of skill, power, or resources in a specific area. For example, "The software has "little capability" for advanced analytics".

What are some alternatives to "little capability"?

Alternatives include phrases like "limited capacity", "minimal ability", or "insufficient power", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "little capability" or "limited capability"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "limited capability" may sound more formal. "Little capability" emphasizes the small quantity or degree of the capability.

What does "little capability" imply?

"Little capability" suggests a deficiency in a specific area, indicating that there is a lack of skill, resources, or power to perform a particular task effectively. Consider using more descriptive alternatives like "scarce aptitude" or "meager competence".