a finite ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a finite ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing limitations or constraints regarding someone's skills or capacities. Example: "Despite her talent, she felt constrained by a finite ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Vietnam, Indonesia and other countries have only a finite ability to expand quickly without overloading their infrastructure or sparking wage inflation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

MIAMI — The Dallas Mavericks reached the N.B.A. finals as a team of finite ability, but infinite lives.

The New York Times - Sports

Normal human cells have a finite replicative ability, yet cancer cells are capable of unlimited replication, i.e. they are immortal.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

The "well-rounded" person would actually be the well-balanced one: a finite amount of ability split equally among seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching.

The New York Times - Arts

The problem here is that we have a finite resource – the ability of the Earth's atmosphere to absorb greenhouse gases without violently disrupting the climate – and each additional person contributes to the total amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our analysis addresses this problem by taking full advantage of a finite element program's ability to solve thermal-structural problems.

Plosone

They have morphology and gene expression similar to their mouse counterparts, a finite lifespan and the ability to differentiate into CMCs.

Cell Death and Differentiation

Prior research has indicated that self-regulation ability is a finite resource subject to temporary depletion with use, and so engaging in self-regulatory tasks could impair individuals' ability to subsequently counterargue.

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology

Our previous experiments indicated that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of rhesus monkey (RhBMSCs) have a low proliferative ability with a finite life span, which will hamper their application in biomedical research.

Transplantation Proceedings

Each spell and ability has a finite number of uses, and once depleted the party must visit an inn to recharge them.

Wikipedia

We diminish ourselves in thinking that our love, our essence, our greatness is a finite resource…as well as our ability to participate in such unions/experiences…thereby shrinking our divine nature into capitalistic, fickle models of the mass production of love.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a finite ability", ensure the context clearly defines what aspect of ability is being limited. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the limitations implied by "a finite ability". While it indicates constraints, it doesn't necessarily imply complete inadequacy. Use precise language to accurately reflect the degree of limitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a finite ability" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a limited or restricted capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a finite ability" describes a limited capacity or skill, is grammatically correct, and primarily appears in news, science, and formal business contexts. While the phrase is not frequently used, according to Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates constraints or boundaries. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what aspect of ability is limited and avoid overstating the limitations it implies. Consider alternatives like "limited capacity" or "restricted skill set" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited capacity

Focuses on the constraint in terms of available space or volume for something.

restricted skill set

Highlights limitations specifically related to skills and expertise.

finite skill

Emphasizes that the ability is limited and not infinite.

limited potential

Indicates that the possible future development or achievement is restricted.

bounded capability

Suggests that the ability is contained within specific boundaries.

constrained ability

Highlights the limitations acting upon the ability.

restricted aptitude

Focuses on inherent limitations in a natural talent or skill.

finite resource

Highlights the limited nature of the source of the ability.

circumscribed talent

Emphasizes that the talent is confined or restricted.

defined limits

Indicates a clear set of boundaries on what can be achieved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a finite ability" to describe limitations in skills or capacities. For example, "Despite his effort, he was constrained by a finite ability to learn new languages."

What are some alternatives to "a finite ability"?

You can use alternatives like "limited capacity", "restricted skill set", or "limited potential" depending on the specific context.

Is "finite ability" a formal or informal expression?

"Finite ability" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece.

What does it mean to say something has "a finite ability"?

Saying something has "a finite ability" means it has a limited capacity or skill, suggesting that it can only perform to a certain extent or achieve so much.