capacity

[itscd]

hey guys,

I've been confused with the usage of the word "capacity". Here i have three sentences, could you please tell me which one(s) is/are correct?

1) the capacity of the surface to absorb heat
2) the capacity for the surface to absorb heat
3) the capacity of the surface of absorbing heat


Thanks a lot

 

[perpend]

Do you have any context?

 

[Tazzler]

Which is your choice?

 

[dadane]

1) the capacity of the surface to absorb heat
4) the capacity of the surface to absorb heat

Trick question? I'll pick 1 or 4, either is fine.

3) the capacity of the surface for absorbing heat

2) X

 

[itscd]

Do you have any context?

(the sentence above) increases with the increase of factor A

 

[itscd]

Which is your choice?

I don't really know which one(s) is correct so i don't have a choice here.

 

[itscd]

1) the capacity of the surface to absorb heat
4) the capacity of the surface to absorb heat

Trick question? I'll pick 1 or 4, either is fine.

3) the capacity of the surface for absorbing heat

2) X

i realized that option 1 and 4 are the same. My bad.

And thanks for the help.

 

[itscd]

1) the capacity of the surface to absorb heat
4) the capacity of the surface to absorb heat

Trick question? I'll pick 1 or 4, either is fine.

3) the capacity of the surface for absorbing heat

2) X

I have a follow-up question:

since i can't say "the capacity of something of doing something", why is it correct to say "something is capable of doing something"?

 

[Tazzler]

I would say "heat-absorbing capacity". This means the amount of heat the surface can absorb. But! If you're referring to the simple ability to absorb heat, then you need to use the word "ability" and phrase it like so: the ability of the surface to absorb heat. I don't know why "capable" behaves differently; it's just how it is.