ability to amend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to amend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capacity or power to make changes or modifications to something, such as a document, policy, or agreement. Example: "The committee has the ability to amend the proposal based on feedback from the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Unlike 49 other states out there, there's no ability to amend them".

The New York Times

This would have granted the government the ability to amend common law.

The Guardian - Opinion

The procedures could clear a path in the Senate by limiting senators' ability to amend or filibuster the legislation.

The New York Times

But, like the inevitability of death, disease and loss, this is a bleak truth we might as well ignore, having little or no ability to amend it.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Bush asked the executives to lobby for trade promotion authority, once known as fast track, which limits Congress's ability to amend trade pacts once they are negotiated.

The New York Times

This authority, which limits Congress's ability to amend trade agreements, had eluded Bill Clinton, and is essential for America to make progress in trade negotiations.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

To isolate microorganisms with ability to utilize amended nutrients for multiplication, suspension of amended soil was diluted to the concentration pre-determined for each group of microorganisms and plated on the selective medium as described above.

Botanical Studies

It took significant time and effort for that chamber to agree to debate the "fast track" bill last week, which would allow the TPP to be considered by Congress on an up-and-down vote and without the ability for legislators to amend it.

The Guardian

Of course, there'll still be a vote in Congress over the deal, but now this will happen without the ability of Congress to amend the deal in any way.

Huffington Post

But the bottom line is that, given how this disrupts the ability of a company to amend its charter, the S.E.C. will probably have to clarify things.

The New York Times

Because the state's Constitution severely limits the ability of the Legislature to amend budget bills, lawmakers will face a choice between approving furloughs and rejecting the emergency bill.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ability to amend" to highlight the dynamic nature of agreements, policies, or regulations, emphasizing their capacity to evolve and adapt.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to amend" without clarifying the limitations or constraints. Ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the actual scope and conditions under which changes can be made to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to amend" functions as a noun phrase, where "ability" is the head noun and "to amend" acts as an infinitive phrase modifying "ability". It describes the capacity or power to make changes. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to amend" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that refers to the capacity or power to modify something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used in many contexts and is deemed correct. It appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, it is crucial to clarify who possesses this ability and any limitations that may apply. Alternatives such as "capacity for modification" or "power to revise" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Overall, "ability to amend" is a versatile phrase that conveys the dynamic nature of agreements and regulations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for modification

Focuses on the potential or capability to modify something, emphasizing inherent capacity rather than active permission.

power to revise

Highlights the authority or control to make changes, suggesting a formal or legal right.

right to alter

Emphasizes a granted or inherent entitlement to change something, often in a legal or official context.

scope for adjustment

Indicates the degree or extent to which something can be adjusted, focusing on the flexibility available.

room for modification

Suggests that there is space or opportunity to make changes, often implying a need for improvement.

flexibility to change

Highlights the adaptable nature of something and its capacity to be altered when necessary.

authority to modify

Stresses the official permission or power to make alterations, often in a structured or regulated setting.

option to revise

Indicates that there is a choice or possibility to make changes, but not necessarily an obligation.

prerogative to adjust

Implies an exclusive or special right to make adjustments, often associated with a position of power or privilege.

means of revision

Focuses on the method or process by which changes can be made, rather than the right or ability itself.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to amend" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to amend" to describe the power or capacity to modify something, for example: "The board has the ability to amend the company's bylaws".

What are some alternatives to "ability to amend"?

Alternatives include "capacity for modification", "power to revise", or "right to alter", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "ability to amend" and "opportunity to amend"?

"Ability to amend" refers to the inherent power or capacity to make changes, whereas "opportunity to amend" suggests a specific instance or occasion when such changes can be made.

Is it more formal to say "ability to amend" or "can amend"?

"Ability to amend" generally conveys a more formal and official tone compared to the more direct and informal phrase "can amend".