a continuing ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a continuing ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a skill or capability that persists over time without interruption. Example: "Her training program is designed to enhance a continuing ability to adapt to new challenges in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Festivals such as Wexford and Buxton have built their reputations on a continuing ability to come up with rarities and largely forgotten works by established composers.

The Guardian - Music

The other side of a much retarded development may be a continuing ability to develop social skills and perceptions throughout life, and the last twenty years have indeed been years of a continuing development for Temple.

The New Yorker

"If Bush were doing well and had a continuing ability to get things done and command the national stage, I think there would be far less focus on the campaign," said Robert Dallek, a presidential historian.

The New York Times

Team owners and general managers saw Ruth's lifestyle as a reason for denying him a managerial job; Barrow said of him, "How can he manage other men when he can't even manage himself?" Ruth played much golf and in a few exhibition baseball games, demonstrating a continuing ability to draw large crowds.

Wikipedia

A hallmark of cancer is a continuing ability to proliferate and/or avoid death.

Gut

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A continued ability to secure permits is essential to the mining business.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Furthermore, released PEG-TRAIL showed a continued ability to induce apoptosis over 14 days.

Journal of Controlled Release

These efforts have faced early criticism for being too tepid and/or slow to be effective, even as fresh fake news stories have shown a continued ability to rack up millions of Facebook views.

TechCrunch

The presence of a delta represents the continuing ability of rivers to deposit stream-borne sediments more rapidly than they can be removed by waves and ocean currents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The city was not just a command centre for the insurgency - it was a symbol of the militants' continuing ability to thwart Kiev's attempts to reassert control in the east.

BBC

Sustainability refers to the continuing ability of a project to meet the needs of its community [ 45], beyond the period of an intervention [ 46].

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a continuing ability" when you want to emphasize the sustained nature of a skill or capability over time. It's particularly effective when highlighting resilience or long-term performance.

Common error

Avoid using "continuing ability" to describe a one-time achievement or a skill that is no longer relevant. It should be reserved for abilities that are actively maintained or demonstrated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a continuing ability" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sustained or ongoing capability. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a continuing ability" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a sustained skill or capability. Though Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's relatively rare. It's most commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an ability that is actively maintained over time. Consider alternatives like "a sustained capability" or "an ongoing capacity" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sustained capability

Emphasizes the idea of capability being maintained over a period.

an ongoing capacity

Highlights the continuous nature of the capacity.

a persistent skill

Focuses on a skill that endures and remains active.

a lasting talent

Implies a talent that is durable and long-lasting.

a maintained aptitude

Highlights the active maintenance of an aptitude.

an enduring proficiency

Stresses the long-lasting nature of the proficiency.

a reliable competence

Indicates a competence that can be consistently depended upon.

a steady faculty

Suggests a consistent and stable faculty or ability.

an unceasing potential

Emphasizes the continuous and limitless nature of the potential.

a constant power

Highlights a power that is consistent and unwavering.

FAQs

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

You can use "a continuing ability" to describe a skill or capability that persists over time. For example, "The company's success relies on its "a continuing ability" to innovate."

What are some alternatives to "a continuing ability"?

Alternatives include "a sustained capability", "an ongoing capacity", or "a persistent skill". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "continuing ability" or "continued ability"?

Both "continuing ability" and "continued ability" are grammatically correct, but "continuing" implies an action in progress, while "continued" implies a state that has been maintained. Choose the one that best fits the context.

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

"A continuing ability" refers to a demonstrated skill or capacity that is actively maintained, while "potential" refers to a latent or undeveloped capability. One is present and active, the other is future and possible.