ability to calculate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to calculate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's skill or capacity to perform mathematical calculations or computations. Example: "Her ability to calculate complex equations quickly impressed her teachers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

With ever more powerful processors, silicon chess players developed the ability to calculate so far ahead that the distinction between short-term tactical calculations and long-term strategic planning became blurred.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ability to calculate that trajectory is one of the astonishments of sports.

The New Yorker

It gums up a person's oddsmaking, the ability to calculate how much to worry that the place might burn again.

The New York Times

Can the ability to calculate a 20-move forced tactical sequence in chess help you navigate the shark-infested waters of office politics?

The Guardian - Books

The program aims to achieve and surpass the ability to calculate more than a quadrillion mathematical operations per second — a milestone known as a petaflop.

The New York Times - Tech

More is needed to represent a genius who is on the austistic spectrum than social awkwardness and the improbable ability to calculate his own word counts.

The Guardian - Books

The moral clarity of her title is therefore not the ability to calculate answers to the practical conundrums that life sets us.

The New York Times - Books

Similarly, my husband, David, a college professor, finds that his ability to calculate simple percentages abandons him the moment his taxi pulls over to the curb.

The New York Times - Travel

"I passed all these exams, which are still based on the ability to calculate and to memorize," he said.

The New York Times

But signs of progress are clear, like E. J.'s ability to calculate the correct change for a pretzel and to interrupt his mother's musings to repeat his highest bowling score of the day, a 69.

The New York Times

The ancient virtue of prudence was never just the art of avoiding harm; it involves the intelligent choice of means to achieve an end, and thus reappears as the ability to calculate risks.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's mathematical abilities, pair "ability to calculate" with specific examples to illustrate the extent of their skill.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to calculate" as a blanket statement. Instead, specify the type of calculations they excel at (e.g., complex algorithms, statistical analysis) for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to calculate" functions as a noun phrase, with "ability" acting as the head noun and "to calculate" serving as an infinitive phrase modifying it. It denotes the capacity or skill to perform calculations, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to calculate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting competence in performing mathematical computations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news reports. While alternatives like "capacity to compute" or "skill in computation" exist, "ability to calculate" provides a clear and direct way to describe this essential skill. Remember to provide specific examples to showcase the extent of one's calculation abilities and avoid broad, unsubstantiated claims. The phrase's prevalence in both scientific and media sources underscores its importance in diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to compute

Focuses on the inherent potential or space available for calculation.

skill in computation

Emphasizes the proficiency and expertise in performing calculations.

aptitude for mathematics

Highlights a natural talent or inclination towards mathematical calculations.

competence in arithmetic

Stresses the qualified and capable nature of performing arithmetic tasks.

proficiency in reckoning

Focuses on the skill and effectiveness in calculating and estimating.

capability to determine

Shifts the focus slightly to the ability to find out or establish something through calculation.

facility with numbers

Highlights the ease and dexterity in handling numerical data and calculations.

power of mathematical reasoning

Emphasizes the cognitive capacity and logical thinking involved in mathematical calculations.

potential for quantitative analysis

Focuses on the future possibilities and prospects for performing quantitative analysis.

talent for numerical problem-solving

Highlights a natural aptitude and skill for solving problems using numerical methods.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to calculate" to describe someone's skill in performing mathematical computations, as in, "Her "ability to calculate" complex equations quickly impressed her teachers".

What are some alternatives to "ability to calculate"?

You can use alternatives such as "capacity to compute", "skill in computation", or "aptitude for mathematics", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "ability to calculate" or "capacity for calculation"?

Both "ability to calculate" and "capacity for calculation" are correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Ability" suggests a demonstrated skill, while "capacity" implies potential.

What is the difference between "ability to calculate" and "mathematical proficiency"?

"Ability to calculate" specifically refers to the skill of performing computations. "Mathematical proficiency" is a broader term encompassing understanding of mathematical concepts, problem-solving skills, and computational abilities.