a better ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a better ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing abilities or skills, indicating an improvement or enhancement in capability. Example: "With practice, she developed a better ability to solve complex problems quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Urbanfetch has also shown a better ability to market high-ticket items.

The New York Times

The compound modified asphalt had a better ability to resist deformation at high temperature.

Construction and Building Materials

Such resource requirement specification information gives a better ability to predict costs in advance.

Competitive Engineering A Handbook for Systems Engineering Requirements Engineering, and Software Engineering Using Planguage

The changes can be as minor as a better ability to dress oneself or to take out the trash.

The New York Times

"They have a better ability to stick where they're supposed to – to roots, or leaves, or to weeds," he says.

The Guardian

The emperor penguins fared better, their numbers hardly changing, pointing to a better ability to handle the harsh environment.

The Guardian

Another study last year showed that older people had a better ability to withstand the effects of sleep deprivation.

The New York Times

The four-stage configuration showed a better ability to reproduce batch fermentation characteristics than the two-stage set-up.

International Journal of Food Microbiology

Interestingly, this mutant harbors a better ability to consume sucrose, which is the main composition of economical molasses.

Biochemical Engineering Journal

This will provide good statistics for common types of transients, and a better ability to discover and study rare and exotic ones.

Harvard University

"But you are creating 10 times the force in the muscle by doing so, thus creating a better ability to change, and it works".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing improvements in specific areas, follow "a better ability" with "to" and the action verb. For example, "a better ability to communicate", "a better ability to adapt", or "a better ability to analyze data".

Common error

Avoid using "a better ability" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "A better ability was given to him", opt for active phrasing like "He developed a better ability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a better ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "better" modifies the noun "ability". It signifies an improved or enhanced capacity to perform a specific action or task. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a better ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an improvement or enhancement in a particular skill or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in scientific, news media, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it's followed by "to" and an action verb to clearly specify the improved skill (e.g., "a better ability to communicate"). Avoid overly passive constructions and consider alternative phrases like "improved capability" or "enhanced skill" to add nuance to your writing. Ludwig’s examples demonstrate its versatility and appropriateness across a range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an improved capability

Focuses more on the general capacity to do something, rather than a specific skill.

an enhanced skill

Emphasizes the development and refinement of a particular skill.

a greater aptitude

Suggests a natural talent or predisposition for something.

an increased competence

Highlights the proficiency and effectiveness in performing a task.

a superior talent

Implies a higher level of natural ability compared to others.

an advanced proficiency

Emphasizes a high degree of skill acquired through training and experience.

a refined expertise

Suggests a highly specialized and polished skill in a particular area.

a boosted skill set

Focuses on the overall collection of skills that have been improved.

a sharpened talent

Implies refining a natural skill to a higher level of performance.

a developed capacity

Emphasizes the gradual growth and improvement of a general ability.

FAQs

How can I use "a better ability" in a sentence?

You can use "a better ability" to describe an improvement in someone's skill or capacity to do something. For example, "Consistent practice led to a better ability to solve complex problems".

What are some alternatives to "a better ability"?

Some alternatives include "improved capability", "enhanced skill", or "greater aptitude", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a better ability" or should I use a different phrase?

"A better ability" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, the best choice depends on the context. For instance, "increased competence" might be more appropriate in a professional setting.

What's the difference between "a better ability" and "a greater ability"?

While similar, "a better ability" typically implies an improvement over a previous state, whereas "a greater ability" often suggests a higher level of inherent skill or potential. Consider the phrases like "a greater ability" and "a larger ability".