social capital

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "social capital" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the collective value of the networks and relationships that a particular person or group of people has for achieving or accomplishing something. For example: "My social capital has enabled me to open up many opportunities to advance my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's social capital.

The New Yorker

Recessions test social capital.

The New York Times

Why this dissipation of social capital?

The Economist

Social capital means nothing here.

The New York Times

We are burning up our social capital.

The Guardian

Pitch: Understand your online social capital.

The Guardian

That, in turn, erodes social capital".

The Guardian - Business

The social capital is rich as well.

The Guardian

Social capital  .

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Your current social capital.

Science Magazine

Your social capital prospects.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "social capital", clearly define the context and the specific types of relationships being considered (e.g., bonding, bridging, linking) to provide a more precise and nuanced analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "social capital" as a catch-all term for any type of social interaction. Be specific about the resources, benefits, and outcomes associated with the relationships you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social capital" functions as a noun phrase, referring to the collective value of social networks and relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "social capital" refers to the value derived from relationships and networks. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently employed in scientific and news media contexts. Related phrases include "relational wealth" and ""community connections"". A key writing practice is to define the specific types of relationships being considered when discussing "social capital". Overall, understanding and applying "social capital" effectively involves recognizing its context-dependent nature and specifying its components.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relational wealth

Emphasizes the value inherent in social relationships, portraying them as a form of asset.

social cohesion

Emphasizes the degree to which people in a community are connected and united.

bridging ties

Highlights connections between different groups, a specific aspect of social capital.

community connections

Focuses on the communal aspect, emphasizing relationships within a specific geographic or social area.

bonding ties

Focuses on connections within a specific group, another aspect of social capital.

collective efficacy

Stresses the shared belief in a community's ability to achieve common goals.

community goodwill

Highlights the positive sentiment and support within a community.

network of influence

Highlights the power and leverage derived from personal connections and relationships.

civic engagement

Focuses on active participation in community and public life, a component that can contribute to social capital.

social networks

A more general term referring to the structure of relationships, without necessarily implying inherent value.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "social capital" in a sentence?

Use "social capital" to describe the value derived from relationships and networks, such as "Building strong "community connections" enhances social capital and promotes collective well-being".

What are some alternatives to saying "social capital"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "relational wealth", "network of influence", or "community goodwill" to convey similar meanings.

What is the difference between "social capital" and "social networks"?

"Social networks" refer to the structure of relationships, while "social capital" encompasses the resources and benefits derived from those relationships. Social networks are the framework; social capital is the value within that framework.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to discuss "social capital"?

The term "social capital" is particularly relevant in discussions about community development, economic opportunity, public health, and organizational effectiveness, where relationships and networks play a crucial role.