a clear ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's evident skill or competence in a particular area or task. Example: "The candidate demonstrated a clear ability to communicate complex ideas effectively during the interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"They've shown a clear ability to turn out large numbers of people," said Cleve Jones, a longtime gay rights advocate and labor organizer.

The New York Times

"Ruen Chen offers strong operational and funding capabilities and possesses a clear ability to satisfy the strict criteria that governed A.I.G.'s bid review process.

The New York Times

It has been my experience that women have both a strong need and a clear ability to communicate, and more than anything the point of coming together is the conversation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Results based on multivariate attractor reconstruction show a clear ability to detect both the presence and magnitude of damage to the connection.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

It also demonstrates a clear ability to widely cover the Pareto-optimal front with larger percentage of non-dominated solutions if compared to the total number of function evaluations.

Applied Soft Computing

"We are taking reasonable risk, we have built in an appropriate margin for error, it strengthens our business, and we have a clear ability to execute," Dimon said Sunday.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Federal agents should also have a very clear ability to conduct roving wiretaps that follow terrorism suspects from place to place instead of being limited to a particular phone line.

The New York Times

People immersed in an environment with a new language often initially experience the same thing: a lack of clear ability to tell what words, exactly, should properly emerge from the sounds that are being spoken.

The New Yorker

The G.O.P.'s problem at the moment is that it's a congressional party with no clear ability to win presidential-level majorities.

The New York Times

He will also have looked enviously at Saracens' success in Saturday's Champions' Cup final and wondered how Bath can best compete with a young squad with the clear ability to improve further.

The Guardian - Sport

He has shown himself repeatedly on Twitter, in his phone call to Taiwan that overturned decades of diplomacy, in his clear ability to hold a grudge about the smallest of slights, that he is incapable of controlling his feelings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear ability to", follow it with a specific verb that indicates the action or task where the ability is evident. For example, "a clear ability to communicate", "a clear ability to problem-solve", or "a clear ability to lead".

Common error

Avoid using "a clear ability to" without specifying the context or area of competence. Saying someone has "a clear ability to succeed" is less impactful than stating they have "a clear ability to analyze market trends and identify profitable opportunities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear ability to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically followed by a verb, to describe a readily apparent competence or skill. As Ludwig AI's examples show, this phrase is frequently used to highlight specific, demonstrable skills.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clear ability to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to highlight a readily apparent skill or competence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is versatile and applicable across various registers, particularly in science, news, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure to specify the area where the ability is evident to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "a distinct aptitude for" or "an obvious capacity to", depending on the desired nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a clear ability to" to emphasize specific strengths and skills in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an evident capability of

Similar to 'capacity', but with a stronger sense of existing potential.

an obvious capacity to

Highlights the potential or capability, making it plainly evident.

a distinct aptitude for

Emphasizes a natural inclination or talent; slightly stronger than a general ability.

a noticeable proficiency in

Highlights a high degree of skill and expertise that's easily observed.

a manifest competence in

Focuses on demonstrated skill or knowledge, implying proven expertise.

a marked adeptness at

Highlights a considerable skill or expertise, indicating a high level of competence.

a transparent skill at

Suggests the skill is readily apparent and easy to recognize.

a visible strength in

Focuses on the area where someone shows particular power or skill.

a patent talent for

Emphasizes a natural and obvious gift or aptitude.

a plain knack for

Suggests an effortless and natural skill or talent.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear ability to" in a sentence?

Use "a clear ability to" to highlight someone's noticeable competence or skill in a specific area. For example, "She demonstrated a clear ability to manage complex projects".

What are some alternatives to "a clear ability to"?

You can use alternatives such as "a distinct aptitude for", "an obvious capacity to", or "an evident capability of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a clear ability to" or "a strong ability to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "A clear ability to" suggests the ability is easily noticeable or evident, while "a strong ability to" implies the ability is powerful or well-developed. The better choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "ability" and "capability" when used with "a clear"?

"Ability" generally refers to a developed skill or competence, whereas "capability" often indicates the potential or capacity to develop a skill. Thus, "a clear ability to" suggests demonstrated skill, while "a clear capability to" suggests evident potential.