mental capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mental capability" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "She demonstrated her mental capability by solving the difficult math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

What he needs to prove now is that he has the mental capability.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a feeling of detached, suppressed mental capability that should be there".

The New York Times

We have just got to stop linking an ageing appearance to a loss of physical and mental capability.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to the latest study of mental capability, movement will guide insight in problem solving situations.

Expert Systems with Applications

He said that by understanding this reduction in mental capability, there could possibly be drugs to treat it, although there are ethical issues around such intervention.

The Guardian

Although a consultant's product may appear as a bound report, what the consumer bought was mental capability and knowledge, not paper and ink.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The pair are unsuccessful, due to a fragmentation of her mental capabilities.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Since twins have the same underlying physical and mental capabilities, they should have similar productivity.

The New York Times

Hope that he will have the mental capabilities of the 30-year-old man he is.

The New York Times - Sports

Head flattening appears to have had no effect on an individual's mental capabilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The idea was borne out in experiments which showed blood plasma from young mice restored mental capabilities of old mice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific and academic writing, use "mental capability" to describe cognitive abilities related to research or study participants.

Common error

While alternatives like "brainpower" exist, using them in formal contexts can undermine the seriousness or precision required in academic or professional settings. Stick to "mental capability" or "cognitive function" in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental capability" functions primarily as a noun phrase to describe the capacity of an individual's cognitive abilities. It's often used in contexts relating to decision-making, legal competence, and overall cognitive health. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mental capability" is a correct and widely accepted noun phrase used to describe an individual's cognitive abilities. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including legal, medical, and academic settings. The phrase sees frequent use across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, with its primary purpose being to assess and describe cognitive functions. When using this phrase, remember to maintain formality and avoid overly informal substitutions, and it's often seen in discussions of health, legal competence, and scientific research. The phrase has similar alternatives as "cognitive capacity" and "intellectual capacity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cognitive capacity

Emphasizes the brain's ability to process information.

intellectual capacity

Highlights the ability to understand and reason.

cognitive function

Focuses on the processes involved in thinking and remembering.

mental capacity

A more general term for the ability to think and reason.

intellectual aptitude

Highlights a natural talent for learning and understanding.

reasoning ability

Specifically refers to the skill of logical thought.

problem-solving skills

Focuses on the ability to find solutions to complex issues.

cognitive prowess

Implies exceptional skill in mental tasks.

intellectual resources

Refers to the available mental capacities and skills.

brainpower

An informal term for intelligence or mental ability.

FAQs

How is "mental capability" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "mental capability" refers to an individual's ability to understand information, make decisions, and appreciate the consequences of those decisions. It's often a key factor in determining legal competence.

What's the difference between "mental capability" and "cognitive function"?

"Mental capability" is a broader term that encompasses various cognitive abilities. "Cognitive function" refers more specifically to the processes of thinking, reasoning, and remembering.

What are some signs of impaired "mental capability"?

Signs of impaired "mental capability" can include difficulty with memory, problem-solving, reasoning, and understanding complex information. These symptoms can arise from various medical or psychological conditions.

In what contexts might I need to assess someone's "mental capability"?

Assessing someone's "mental capability" might be necessary in situations involving healthcare decisions, legal proceedings, financial management, or when determining their ability to live independently.