representative capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

'representative capacity' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to the position of someone who is representing a certain group, organization, or institution. For example, "The senator spoke in her representative capacity as a member of Congress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This claim of representative capacity – and worse, the assertion they were representing the interests of Palestinians in their struggle for freedom – had become increasingly thin over the last decade and a half.

The Guardian - Opinion

All 27 have expressed their views in a personal rather than representative capacity.

The Guardian

As patron of many foundations and charities, he said he would accept the accolade "in a representative capacity".

The Economist

I want to acknowledge all the wonderful people who accepted me as their leader at home and so to accept this prize in a representative capacity".

Independent

But while those decisions will have been shaped by commercial considerations, UN goodwill ambassadors are appointed on the basis that they are "persons of integrity" who "possess the personality and dignity required for such high-level representative capacity".

The Guardian

In general, since the NFL metric generalized the representative capacity of prototypes during the discriminant analysis phase, the NFLE preserved much more information than the conventional p-2-p-based methods.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Complexity factors at reference capacity (CFRC) specify "representative" capacities in the cost functions, but the data used in constructing cost functions span a wide spectrum of costs and capacities.

Petroleum Science

It was not possible to know whether health workers misused the medical supplies as the community and its representatives lacked capacity to hold health workers accountable for medical supplies.

BMC Health Services Research

Therefore, the presence of an hmfH homologue seems to be representative for the capacity to degrade HMF.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

The maximum number of items correctly recalled by the subject is taken as representative of the capacity of that subject's short-term auditory memory store.

Brain

The bleaching of DPPH absorption (517 nm) by a test compound is representative of its capacity to scavenge free radicals, generated independent of any enzymatic or transition metal-based systems.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "representative capacity" to clearly indicate when someone is acting on behalf of a group, organization, or constituency, ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity" alone when you specifically mean someone is acting as a representative. "Capacity" refers to ability, while "representative capacity" specifies the role of representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "representative capacity" functions as a noun phrase that specifies the role or position in which someone is acting, emphasizing that their actions or statements are made on behalf of a larger group or entity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "representative capacity" is a noun phrase used to specify that someone is acting on behalf of a group or organization, clarifying that their actions and statements are not merely personal opinions but reflect the views or authority of the entity they represent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While not extremely frequent, the phrase is common enough to be understood and is suitable for professional and formal contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings. To avoid confusion, use the phrase to ensure your readers understand the role someone is playing and avoid using just 'capacity' when you mean a representational role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official capacity

This phrase emphasizes the formal authorization to act on behalf of an organization or institution.

acting as a representative

This highlights the action of representing a group or entity.

in a representational role

This emphasizes the function or duty of representing others.

on behalf of

This indicates acting in the interest or place of someone else.

as an agent of

This suggests acting as an intermediary or authorized party.

in the role of spokesperson

Highlights the act of conveying information or stance on behalf of someone or something.

serving as delegate

Emphasizes the delegation of power and responsibility.

acting in proxy

Refers to acting as a substitute or authorized stand-in.

as a designated representative

Highlights the official designation to represent.

with the authority to represent

Emphasizes the granted power to act on someone else's behalf.

FAQs

How can I use "representative capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "representative capacity" to describe the role someone is fulfilling when they are acting on behalf of a group or organization. For example, "The council member spoke in their "representative capacity" as chair of the environment committee."

What does "official capacity" mean, and how does it relate to "representative capacity"?

"Official capacity" indicates that someone is acting in their formal role within an organization or government, while ""representative capacity"" specifies that they are speaking or acting as a representative of a specific group or constituency. "Official capacity" might overlap with, but is not necessarily the same as, a "representative capacity".

Are there any synonyms for "representative capacity"?

While there isn't a perfect synonym, phrases like "acting as a representative", "in a representational role", or "on behalf of" can be used depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "representative capacity" in formal writing?

Use "representative capacity" in formal writing when you need to emphasize that someone is not speaking or acting in a personal capacity, but rather as an authorized delegate or spokesperson for a particular entity. This clarifies their authority and the scope of their statements or actions.