ability to complete a task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to complete a task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's skills or competencies in relation to performing specific tasks or duties. Example: "The candidate demonstrated a strong ability to complete a task efficiently and accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This bias towards overconfidence in relation to actual ability to complete a task has been recognised and experimentally manipulated before [ 30- 32].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The final subscale, persistence, included five items in which parents assessed their child's diligence and ability to complete a task (e.g. '[CHILD] generally likes to see things through to the end').

British Journal of Criminology

This includes the focus on the performance of daily activities rather than the perception of their performance, removing any bias in adolescents' ability to complete a task per FDA guidance.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The interrelations between BMI, depressed mood and activity limitations may be explained by low self-efficacy (i.e. low confidence in the ability to complete a task or activity) [ 38, 39].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Bandura (1997) postulated that experiences with successful completion of a task should have a strong positive influence on an individual's confidence in his/her ability to complete a similar task.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

We are also unusually optimistic when planning — we overestimate our own ability to complete a distant task.

The New York Times - Science

In particular, they can enhance self-efficacy, or the perceived ability to complete a specific task, such as seeking medical care for depression.

BMC Health Services Research

Nevertheless, the brain alterations observed so far in Dyrk1A+/− mice [19], [22] may affect their ability to complete a simple water-escape task requiring swimming and spatial skills, while additional hippocampal related subtle changes might also be implicated in these defects.

Plosone

"They want to complete a task".

The New York Times

Scale items are scored on the basis of ability to complete the task using a 3-point scale where 0 = cannot perform, 1 = performs partially, and 2 = performs fully.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

It is not necessarily a simple formula: the nature of the task matters, as does an individual's perceived ability to complete the task or reach the goal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an individual's qualifications, use "ability to complete a task" to highlight practical skills and competence. For example: "The candidate demonstrated the "ability to complete a task" efficiently and accurately."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating someone's "ability to complete a task" without providing specific examples or quantifiable results. Substantiate claims with concrete achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to complete a task" functions primarily as a noun phrase that denotes the capacity or skill someone possesses to successfully finish a particular activity or duty. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is commonly used to describe competencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to complete a task" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies someone's competence or skill in finishing a specific activity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability across a wide range of contexts, from formal professional settings to more neutral reporting in news media. The phrase is primarily used to convey information about capabilities and qualifications. To enhance your writing, remember to substantiate claims about someone's "ability to complete a task" with specific examples. If a more formal tone is needed, consider alternatives like "capability to execute a project" or "competence in performing duties". Overall, "ability to complete a task" is a versatile and reliable phrase for describing someone's capacity to successfully undertake and finish assignments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capability to execute a project

Focuses on project execution rather than general task completion.

competence in performing duties

Emphasizes competence and the performance of regular duties.

capacity to fulfill responsibilities

Highlights the fulfillment of assigned responsibilities.

aptitude for finishing assignments

Stresses aptitude and the completion of specific assignments.

skill in accomplishing objectives

Emphasizes skill and the achievement of objectives.

effectiveness in task management

Focuses on effectiveness in managing tasks.

proficiency in undertaking activities

Highlights proficiency and the undertaking of various activities.

talent for reaching goals

Emphasizes talent and goal attainment.

potential for task accomplishment

Focuses on potential and the accomplishment of tasks.

resources for seeing tasks through

Refers to the resources and persistence needed to complete tasks.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ability to complete a task" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "capability to execute a project", "competence in performing duties", or "capacity to fulfill responsibilities". Each of these "capability to execute a project", "competence in performing duties" or "capacity to fulfill responsibilities" suggests a high level of professionalism and skill.

What's the difference between "ability to complete a task" and "willingness to complete a task"?

"Ability to complete a task" refers to the skills and resources necessary to successfully finish a task. In contrast, "willingness to complete a task" indicates motivation and readiness to undertake the task, regardless of skill level.

How do you assess someone's "ability to complete a task"?

Assessing someone's "ability to complete a task" can involve evaluating their past performance, reviewing their qualifications, and conducting practical tests or simulations to observe their skills in action.

What are some key skills that contribute to the "ability to complete a task" effectively?

Key skills include time management, problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication. These skills enhance a person's "ability to complete a task" efficiently and to a high standard.