A proven ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A proven ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a skill or talent that has been demonstrated successfully in the past. Example: "She has a proven ability to lead teams effectively, which has resulted in numerous successful projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A proven ability to manage projects for public and private sector clients is a plus.

Yale University

A proven ability to evaluate, aggregate, and synthesize data and information about programs and policies while identifying areas in need of improvement.

Columbia University

He has a proven ability to empower musicians.

The New York Times - Arts

Fletcher has a proven ability to find the net in struggling sides.

The Guardian - Sport

He has a proven ability to get votes from the vital center of the American spectrum.

The New York Times

And has a proven ability to build and lead great global business teams".

The Guardian

Older males are generally preferred by females because they have a proven ability to survive.

Cornell University

Mr. Gbagbo has a proven ability to remain in the presidential palace.

The New York Times

Lennon had of course appealed to Bolton after displaying in Scotland a proven ability to maximise resources.

The Guardian - Sport

Right age, right stature, and a proven ability to man up to any role she's offered, regardless of gender.

The Guardian

One country with world-class grounds and a proven ability to stage international sporting events comes quickly to mind.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a candidate's qualifications, use "a proven ability" followed by a specific action verb to showcase the skill in action. For example, "a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams" is more impactful than simply stating the ability exists.

Common error

Avoid claiming "a proven ability" without concrete evidence or examples to support the assertion. Ensure that the ability has been demonstrably successful in relevant situations to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proven ability" functions as a noun phrase headed by "ability", modified by the adjective "proven". It typically acts as a subject complement or an object in a sentence, as seen in Ludwig, indicating a quality or skill that someone or something possesses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proven ability" is a frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize demonstrated competence or skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts such as academia, news, and business. Its effectiveness lies in providing assurance of someone's capabilities, supported by evidence of past success. For impactful writing, follow "a proven ability" with a specific action verb and ensure that claims are backed by concrete examples. Although widely applicable, consider using related phrases like "demonstrated capability" or "track record of success" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrated capability

Focuses on the evidence of being capable, shifting from past success to present potential.

established skill set

Highlights the collection of skills that have been validated over time.

track record of success

Emphasizes the history of positive outcomes resulting from the ability.

history of achievement

Stresses past accomplishments, suggesting a consistent pattern of success.

verified competence

Implies that the ability has been officially validated or confirmed.

confirmed expertise

Highlights the specialized knowledge and skill that has been validated.

validated talent

Focuses on innate ability that has been confirmed through performance.

record of accomplishment

Similar to a "track record", but can apply to single, significant achievements.

documented proficiency

Suggests that the skill level is officially recorded or certified.

demonstrated mastery

Indicates a very high level of skill that has been clearly shown.

FAQs

How can I effectively showcase "a proven ability" in a resume?

Provide specific examples and quantifiable results to support your claim. Instead of saying "a proven ability to manage projects", state "a proven ability to manage projects, delivering them on time and under budget, as demonstrated by a 20% cost reduction on the X project".

What are some alternatives to "a proven ability" that I can use in professional writing?

You can use alternatives like "demonstrated capability", "established skill set", or "track record of success" depending on the context.

How does "a proven ability" differ from "potential ability"?

"A proven ability" refers to a skill or talent that has been successfully demonstrated in the past, while "potential ability" suggests a capacity or aptitude that has not yet been fully realized or tested. One is based on past performance, the other is based on future possibility.

Is it redundant to say "a proven ability to succeed"?

While not strictly grammatically incorrect, it can be seen as redundant. Since "proven" implies success, saying "a proven ability to succeed" can be repetitive. Consider using a more specific description of the ability, such as "a proven ability to innovate" or "a proven ability to lead".