a proven ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proven ability" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to emphasize that someone has successfully demonstrated their skill or proficiency in a certain area. Example: "John has a proven ability to solve complex problems under pressure." This sentence highlights John's skill in problem-solving and indicates that he has successfully demonstrated this ability in the past.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

Only a Democrat who had a proven ability to transcend cultural issues, he said, could broaden the party's base.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pokemon, "Toy Story" and Winnie-the-Pooh were reliable franchises with a proven ability to attract young audiences.

The New York Times

It is a resilient movement, with a proven ability to fill any gaps in its ranks rather quickly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a proven ability" to emphasize a specific, demonstrable skill rather than general potential.

Common error

Avoid using "a proven ability" when describing qualities that are inherently subjective or difficult to measure objectively. Instead, use more descriptive language that conveys the nuance of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proven ability" functions as a noun phrase, typically modifying another noun or pronoun. It indicates that someone or something possesses a skill or competence that has been demonstrated and validated through past performance. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, where the phrase is used to describe the qualities of individuals, teams, or organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Sport

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proven ability" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize demonstrable skills and experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in professional and neutral contexts, particularly in news, sports, and science. Use it to add credibility to your writing, showcasing validated competencies rather than mere potential. Remember to follow it with the specific skill and avoid overuse in subjective contexts. Alternatives like "demonstrated capability" or "established competence" can offer nuanced variations, but "a proven ability" remains a powerful tool for highlighting successful past performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrated capability

Replaces "ability" with "capability" and "proven" with "demonstrated", focusing on the act of showing the ability.

established competence

Uses "competence" instead of "ability" and "established" instead of "proven", highlighting a confirmed level of skill.

track record of success

Shifts the focus to past achievements, implying ability through repeated positive outcomes.

history of achievement

Similar to "track record of success", but emphasizes the chronological aspect of accomplishments.

verified proficiency

Replaces "ability" with "proficiency" and "proven" with "verified", stressing the confirmation of skill level.

confirmed aptitude

Uses "aptitude" instead of "ability" and "confirmed" instead of "proven", suggesting a natural talent that has been validated.

documented expertise

Focuses on the presence of documented knowledge and skill, rather than just the ability itself.

validated skill set

Highlights the skills as a group that has been validated or confirmed.

recognized talent

Emphasizes that the talent has been acknowledged and valued by others.

consistent performance

Focuses on the reliability and steadiness of the performance, implying underlying ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a proven ability" to highlight someone's demonstrable skills. For example, "The candidate has "a proven ability" to manage complex projects effectively".

What are some alternatives to "a proven ability"?

Alternatives include "demonstrated capability", "established competence", or "track record of success", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a proven ability" formal or informal?

"A proven ability" is generally considered suitable for professional and formal contexts, such as resumes, cover letters, and performance reviews. In informal settings, simpler phrases might be preferred.

How do I emphasize the specific skill when using "a proven ability"?

Follow "a proven ability" with "to" and the verb describing the skill. For example, "a proven ability to lead teams" or "a proven ability to solve complex problems".