a question of ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether someone has the necessary skills or capabilities to perform a task or meet a challenge. Example: "The decision to promote her was not just about experience; it was a question of ability to lead the team effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

When to pay whom how much: this is not just a question of ability.

The New Yorker

Sadly, at quite a few other firms I contacted, it wasn't a question of ability but rather a lack of regard for their own history.

The New York Times - Style

Charles Blitzer, chief international economist for the brokerage Donaldson , Lufkin & Jenrette said, "This isn't so much a question of ability to pay as willingness to pay".

The New York Times

This replaces the 1984 line, "Do they know it's Christmas time at all?" It seems to ramp up the rhetoric by suggesting that the plight of those suffering from Ebola is so all-consuming that they cannot focus on Christmas: a question of ability rather than knowledge.

The Guardian - Music

It's not a question of direction, or focus; it's a question of ability.

TechCrunch

This is not a question of ability or talent, given that countries such as China and India have far higher proportions of female engineers.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

However, the larger issue from our findings is not whether L2 listening is more a question of listening ability or language proficiency as Vandergrift (2006) proposes, but that language proficiency actually appears to determine listening ability.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

This uniquely American vitriol isn't just a question of linguistic ability.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the probability of Podolski performing at Arsenal is not a question of his ability, but that of Wenger.

The New York Times

Steiner philosophy decrees that everyone's core spiritual being is perfect but sometimes the enveloping body and soul can be flawed; it is just a question of maximising ability.

The Guardian

I'm getting used to the tactics McCaughey deploys in situations like this: heavy-duty pretense that she supports health care reform, the Palin-esque answer-a-question-with-an-answer-to-a-question-of-her-liking technique, the ability to quickly provide information and opinion that's completely beside the point, et cetera.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a question of ability", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific skill or capability is being questioned. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the task or area of competence in question.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of ability" when a more specific term like "skill", "knowledge", or "expertise" would provide greater clarity. Being precise enhances the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of ability" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an element of doubt or uncertainty regarding someone's competence or potential. As noted by Ludwig, it frames something as being dependent on or limited by someone's skills.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of ability" is a correct and usable phrase for expressing doubts about someone's competence, skill, or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides real-world examples from various sources. While the phrase is more commonly found in News & Media, as well as in Wiki sources, it is suitable for a range of contexts. The related phrases offer nuanced alternatives for expressing similar ideas. When employing the phrase, ensure that the context explicitly refers to a task or field where competence is being questioned. Consider more specific vocabulary if the overall context calls for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of competence

Focuses on the possession of necessary skills or knowledge.

an issue of capability

Emphasizes the potential or capacity to perform a task.

a problem of aptitude

Highlights natural talent or inclination for something.

a concern about proficiency

Indicates worry or doubt regarding someone's skill level.

a test of skill

Suggests an evaluation or challenge to determine one's abilities.

a judgment of competence

Implies a formal assessment of someone's capabilities.

a challenge to expertise

Focuses on testing or questioning someone's specialized knowledge.

a gauge of skillfulness

Emphasizes the level of dexterity or adroitness.

a determinant of capacity

Highlights the role of ability in defining one's potential.

an element of talent

Suggests that ability is one component of overall talent.

FAQs

How can I use "a question of ability" in a sentence?

You can use "a question of ability" to express doubt or uncertainty about someone's capacity to perform a task, such as "Whether he can complete the project on time is "a question of ability"".

What phrases are similar to "a question of ability"?

Similar phrases include "a matter of competence", "an issue of capability", or "a problem of aptitude", each with slight nuances in meaning.

Is it better to say "a question of skill" or "a question of ability"?

Both "skill" and "ability" can be used, but "skill" often implies a learned or acquired competence, whereas "ability" can refer to a more inherent or natural capacity. The choice depends on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "a question of ability"?

It's best to avoid using "a question of ability" when the focus is not on skill or competence, but rather on willingness, resources, or other factors that might influence outcomes. In such cases, more precise wording can avoid ambiguity.