possess capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possess capability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the concept that someone or something has the necessary abilities to do something. For example, "The mobile app possesses the capability to store and access large amounts of data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The CPCPs perform efficiently as electrode modifiers to lower the work function of metal electrode and possess capability to n-dope PC71BM, both of which contribute to the improved performance of polymer solar cells.

Organic Electronics

The real-time optically reflective signals obtained in living porcine models by using the fibers inserted in an epidural needle have been demonstrated to possess capability to achieve higher rates of successfully guiding epidural needle placement, provided that the sample numbers are sufficiently large and our mixed analyses methodology is adopted.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

On the other hand, Thompson's explanation of surface tension ignores the bees, which painstakingly build the honeycomb, and possess capabilities that are not yet fully understood.

The Economist

A linchpin of his thinking is what he calls the "technological singularity," a point at which the intelligence of machines takes a huge leap, and they come to possess capabilities that exceed those of humans.

The New York Times - Tech

While they are independently developed, they possess capabilities appropriate for collaboration.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

They possess capabilities of integrating different functionalities, including provision of effective contrast for imaging modalities, synaphic delivery, and thermal therapies.

Engineering of Nanobiomaterials Applications of Nanobiomaterials Volume 2

Compared with older linear barcodes, 2D barcodes are a machine-readable representation of binary data that possess capabilities of location and tolerance.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

A general characteristic of recent mass spectrometers is that most are composed of a sequence of multiple mass analyzers with different strengths and properties, resulting in tandem instruments that possess capabilities unattainable by the individual components (Fig. 1A).

Plosone

Having identified the relevant sub-technologies, we analysed whether the acquirer or the target already possesses capabilities in any of them.

European Journal of Futures Research

Although many reported microorganisms possess the capability of cellulose hydrolysis or H2 production, until now, little research has clarified that both of these capabilities are possessed in a single microorganism.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

"It doesn't possess the capability to keep on importing and that means major crisis".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "possess capability", ensure it aligns with the formality of your writing. It's suitable for technical or formal contexts, but simpler alternatives like "can" or "is able to" might be preferable in informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "possess capability" in contexts where simpler language is more appropriate. Overusing formal phrases can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possess capability" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject has the ability or capacity to perform a specific action or function. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possess capability" is a grammatically correct way to express that something has the ability to do something. However, it's relatively infrequent and leans towards a more formal or technical style. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, but suggests considering simpler alternatives like "be capable of" or "have the ability" in less formal contexts. While "possess capability" is suitable for scientific and technical writing, be mindful of its formality to ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. As shown in the usage analysis, the most frequent contexts are in "Science" and "News & Media".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the ability

Focuses on the general ability, shifting from possession to action.

be capable of

Emphasizes inherent capacity or potential, using a more concise structure.

own the capacity

Stresses ownership of capacity, using a slightly different word choice.

have the faculty

Indicates a natural or inherent ability, introducing a more formal tone.

be equipped to

Highlights the provision of resources or qualities necessary for an action.

be in a position to

Focuses on the circumstances allowing a certain action, changing the emphasis slightly.

hold the potential

Emphasizes future possibilities rather than current abilities.

exhibit the talent

Refers to a natural aptitude or skill, making it suitable for specific contexts.

demonstrate the proficiency

Highlights a high degree of skill or expertise.

command the skill

Emphasizes mastery and control over a particular skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "possess capability" to indicate that something has the ability to perform a specific action or function. For example, "The new software "possesses the capability" to analyze large datasets efficiently".

What are some alternatives to "possess capability"?

Alternatives to "possess capability" include phrases like "have the ability", "be capable of", or simply "can", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Which is more common, "possess capability" or "possess capabilities"?

"Possess capabilities" is the more commonly used phrase, as it often refers to a range of abilities rather than a single, specific one. However, "possess capability" is still correct when referring to a singular ability.

Is "possess capability" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "possess capability" is generally considered too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "can" or "is able to" are more appropriate in informal settings.