mental capacities

USAGE SUMMARY

"mental capacities" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a person's cognitive abilities and skills. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone's intellectual abilities, decision-making processes, or problem-solving skills. Example: "The job posting requires excellent mental capacities, including critical thinking and quick decision-making abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have a lot of distinct mental capacities.

The New York Times

Research has shown that natural environments can restore our mental capacities.

The New Yorker

Now you can read books about mental capacities in which the subject of I.Q.

The New York Times

She repudiates the idea that women's mental capacities are less than those of men.

The Guardian - Books

The original trial and appeal focused on Mr. Lapointe's mental capacities.

The New York Times

Mr. Tschetter of USA Ministries said he believed young children have mental capacities that adults don't always understand.

The New York Times

"I cast myself loose from dependence on bosses in case I began to lose my mental capacities," Gary told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Third, technology may hurt more than it helps, since new inventions often tax our mental capacities even further.

The New York Times - Books

But few sentences are finished, topics change abruptly, and it gradually dawns that these two fellows do not have their full mental capacities.

The New York Times

4. Create a timeline of childhood to adolescence psychological development that identifies, in general terms, when certain mental capacities develop and form.

The New York Times

His mental capacities and physical dexterity were unaffected, but the pathology report from doctors at Stanford was grim: the tumor was an astrocytoma.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or medical contexts, use "mental capacities" to objectively assess an individual's ability to make informed decisions or understand legal proceedings.

Common error

Avoid using "mental capacities" as a broad substitute for specific cognitive abilities. Instead, identify and describe the particular skills or functions being discussed, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, or memory recall, for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental capacities" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to cognitive abilities and skills. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe the impact of malnutrition on children or to assess an individual's competence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mental capacities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase referring to an individual's cognitive abilities and skills. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in academic, medical, and legal settings where precise language is crucial. While versatile, it's best used to describe specific cognitive functions rather than as a general substitute for cognitive abilities. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing a range of cognitive capabilities and in assessing their impairment or development. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and business sources underscores its relevance across diverse fields. Understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts will enhance clarity and precision in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental faculties

A general term referring to various aspects of the mind's abilities.

cognitive abilities

Focuses specifically on the brain's ability to process information.

intellectual capabilities

Emphasizes the power of the mind to understand and reason.

thinking skills

Highlights the practical application of mental abilities.

cognitive functions

Refers to specific mental processes like memory and attention.

mental prowess

Suggests exceptional skill and aptitude in mental tasks.

brainpower

An informal term emphasizing the strength and capacity of the mind.

intellectual resources

Implies the availability and use of mental abilities.

cognitive competence

Highlights the ability to perform cognitive tasks effectively.

rational faculties

Focuses on the powers of reason and logical thought.

FAQs

How can I use "mental capacities" in a sentence?

You can use "mental capacities" to refer to someone's cognitive abilities or skills. For example: "The accident significantly impaired his "mental capacities"."

What are some alternatives to saying "mental capacities"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "cognitive abilities", "intellectual capabilities", or "thinking skills".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "mental capacities"?

"Mental capacities" is appropriate in academic, medical, and legal contexts when discussing cognitive functions and abilities. It is suitable in formal writing and professional discussions.

What's the difference between "mental capacity" and "mental capacities"?

"Mental capacity" refers to the overall ability of an individual's mind to function, while "mental capacities" refers to the various specific cognitive abilities and skills that contribute to overall mental function. The former is singular and refers to general ability; the latter is plural and refers to specific skills.