a sustained ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sustained ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or ongoing capacity to perform a particular skill or task over time. Example: "Her sustained ability to solve complex problems has made her an invaluable asset to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr Bayh has demonstrated a sustained ability to win elections in Republican territory (LBJ was the last Democratic presidential candidate to carry Indiana).

The Economist

The 0.9 m column had a sustained ability to adsorb the influent phosphorus during the study period; however, the phosphorus adsorption capacity of the 0.425 m column began to decrease after approximately 30 days.

Water Research

Australia have won their past 11 Tests against Wales, many by a sustained ability to haul themselves off the canvas at the end of a gruelling contest to deliver a knockout blow, but after refusing to congratulate New Zealand after their record 18th consecutive Test victory the Wallabies' coach, Michael Cheika, remains uninterested in history.

The Guardian - Sport

A hallmark of successful aging is a sustained ability to fully interact with the world late into the life course.

Duke University

"The initial 7 years were all about having negative working capital, positive cash flow and a sustained ability to fund our own growth.

TechCrunch

Self-made leaders develop a sustained ability to contribute their character and creativity in the service of getting other people to collaborate and unleash their own character and creativity in the service of vision inspired by shared purpose and values.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Cowell has had an extraordinarily sustained ability to gauge and manipulate public taste.

The Guardian - Books

A key approach to ensuring sustained ability to train and supervise new providers has been to build capacity in clinical skills training and supervision by establishing in-country training centers.

Global health, science and practice

Naturally, for humanitarian workers, a new normal would also include the sustained ability to contribute to workplace goals.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Yet what mattered more was his sustained ability to articulate, in trenchant language, a fundamentalist doctrine about the US constitution that has been a beacon to American conservatives in the law and politics for more than a generation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its sustained ability to enrapture, to enliven, to enervate.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill or ability that has been maintained over time, use "a sustained ability" to emphasize the ongoing nature of the competence. This highlights not just the presence of the skill, but also its consistent application.

Common error

Avoid using "a sustained ability" in contexts where a simpler term like "skill" or "competence" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the duration and consistency of the ability, not just its existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sustained ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "sustained" modifies "ability". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a particular attribute or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sustained ability" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI, to describe a skill or capability that is maintained consistently over time. While not extremely frequent, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. The phrase emphasizes the continuous nature of the ability and can be a valuable tool for expressing long-term competence. Alternative phrases, such as "consistent capability" or "enduring competence", can be used to add nuance to your writing. Remember to use the phrase when emphasizing the duration and consistency of the ability, not just its presence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consistent capability

Emphasizes the uniformity and reliability of the ability.

Enduring competence

Highlights the lasting nature of the skill or competence.

Prolonged aptitude

Focuses on the extended duration of the aptitude.

Maintained proficiency

Stresses the act of keeping up the skill level.

Lasting talent

Indicates an inherent ability that persists over time.

Continuous effectiveness

Highlights ongoing efficiency and positive results.

Unwavering skill

Emphasizes the steadfast and reliable nature of the skill.

Persistent capacity

Focuses on the continued existence and availability of the capacity.

Reliable performance

Emphasizes the dependability and consistency of the performance.

Stable skill set

Highlights the consistent and unchanging nature of someone's abilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sustained ability" to describe someone's long-term capacity to perform a specific task or maintain a certain level of competence. For example, "Her sustained ability to solve complex problems made her an invaluable asset to the team".

What are some alternatives to "a sustained ability"?

Alternatives include "consistent capability", "enduring competence", or "lasting talent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sustained ability" or "sustainable ability"?

"Sustained ability" refers to a skill or competence that has been maintained over time. "Sustainable ability", on the other hand, typically relates to the capacity to maintain something (like an ecosystem or business model) in the long term without depletion or harm. The correct choice depends on the context.

What does it mean to have "a sustained ability"?

To have "a sustained ability" means possessing a consistent or ongoing capacity to perform a particular skill or task effectively over a prolonged period. It implies not just possessing the skill but also maintaining it.