small capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited or minor ability or capacity in a specific context. Example: "The software has a small capability for data analysis, which may not meet the needs of larger projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He would have only a small capability.

University of California, Berkeley

We tried a couple of times to actually get a small capability, but it was — it's kind of hard to get it through the Congressional Budget process, anyway.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"With small capabilities, and with our faith, we can defeat the greatest military power of modern times," he said at one point.

The New York Times

A senior administration official today described it as essentially three concentric circles: Longtime allies like Britain that may provide troops and equipment, states near Afghanistan and other terrorist hot spots that could provide landing locations, intelligence or overflight rights, and finally smaller states and organizations that "have small capabilities but add an important voice".

The New York Times

"With small capabilities, and with our faith, we can defeat the greatest military power of modern times," he said.

Forbes

Since a larger value of ω-s implies a smaller capability of donating charges, we can conclude from Equation 17 that the solvation also weakens the capacity of anions to donate electrons, which agrees with the general viewpoints [12 16].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Technical developments of the last few years and the discovery of large numbers of NEAs mean that sample return is now within small mission capability.

Advances in Space Research

Surface acoustic wave resonator (SAWR) technology stands out as an ideal sensor platform due to attractive technological features such as: small size, capability of wireless operation, battery-free operation, and resilience to high-temperatures.

Measurement

USEC has built a pilot-scale enrichment plant, with help from the Energy Department, with the idea that if it cannot work as a commercial product, the government will take it over to maintain a small enrichment capability for national security purposes.

The New York Times

Says Robert Pantano, chief financial officer of Artificial Life: "Small talk capability gets people comfortable.

Forbes

In fact, the combined ultrasensitivity and small volume capability make it possible to successfully use them as powerful techniques for analytical devices.

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small capability", ensure the context clearly defines what kind of ability or capacity is being described to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of a "small capability". Clearly communicate its limitations and specific uses, rather than implying it's more powerful or versatile than it actually is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small capability" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "capability". It describes the extent or degree of ability or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable but not overly frequent in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small capability" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a restricted or limited ability, as supported by Ludwig AI. While not overly common, it appears in diverse contexts, including academic, news, and scientific domains. It's essential to use it precisely, considering alternatives like "limited capacity" or "basic proficiency" for nuanced meanings. When employing "small capability", clearly define the scope and limitations of the ability being discussed to avoid misinterpretation. Keep in mind that the goal is to provide an accurate view on what are the impacts of the specific action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited capacity

Indicates a restriction on the amount or extent something can contain or deal with; focuses on quantity/extent rather than ability.

modest ability

Implies a moderate level of skill or talent, differing by emphasizing skill rather than general capacity.

slight capacity

Highlights the insubstantial amount of capacity, differentiating by emphasizing the degree of capacity.

restricted capability

Emphasizes the limitations placed on the capacity or power, differing by explicitly mentioning restriction.

narrow capacity

Suggests a limited scope or range of ability, differing by focusing on the scope.

reduced functionality

Focuses on the diminished operational aspects or features available, a more technical way to say it.

basic proficiency

Implies a fundamental level of competence or skill; emphasizes the foundational nature.

minimal capacity

Highlights the extremely low level of capacity, stressing the deficiency.

rudimentary ability

Suggests a very basic or undeveloped skill, highlighting the underdevelopment.

small potential

Indicates a limited possibility for future development, differing by focusing on potential rather than current capability.

FAQs

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

You can use "small capability" to describe a limited ability or capacity. For example: "The device has a "small capability" for processing video, so it's not suitable for complex editing."

What is a good alternative to "small capability"?

Alternatives to "small capability" include "limited capacity", "modest ability", or "basic proficiency". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "small capability" imply?

"Small capability" implies a restriction in the amount of something that can be done or an ability that is limited in scope or power.

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

Both "small capability" and "limited capability" are correct, but "limited capability" is more common. "Small capability" emphasizes the size or degree of the ability, while "limited capability" highlights the restriction or constraint.