ability to continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to continue" is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase can be used to indicate the ability of someone or something to keep going or keep performing an action. Example: The athlete showed remarkable ability to continue running despite the pain in his leg.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She has an ability to continue fighting.

The New York Times - Sports

His ability to continue to devolve.

The Guardian - Sport

"Cuadrilla's ability to continue relies on local consent.

The Guardian

This success can only be enshrined by the Council's ability to continue.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

The hard simple ability to continue is a kind of blessing.

The Guardian

Indeed, their ability to continue to do so may be in jeopardy.

The Guardian - Tech

Accountants have expressed concern over Borders U.K.'s ability to continue trading.

The New Yorker

It warned that Brexit risked the UK economy's ability to continue creating jobs.

The Guardian - Business

I think price controls would hurt our ability to continue important research and development.

The New York Times

That authority's ability to continue functioning will help shape the prospects of a now-dimmed Detroit.

The New Yorker

At some point the officers made a veiled threat about Turner's ability to continue as photographer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ongoing processes or projects, use "ability to continue" to clearly indicate the capacity for sustained activity. This is especially useful in business and academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to continue" when there's significant doubt about whether continuation is actually feasible. Use qualifiers like "potential" or "prospect" if the ability is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to continue" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the inherent capability or power to sustain an action, process, or state. As Ludwig AI confirmed, the expression is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to continue" is a versatile noun phrase used to express the capacity to sustain an activity or process. As Ludwig AI states, this expression is grammatically correct and commonly employed across diverse contexts, ranging from news and academia to business and general discourse. Its usage patterns reflect its broad applicability, though it's particularly frequent in news and academic settings. While alternatives like "capacity to proceed" exist, "ability to continue" remains a clear and effective way to denote sustained capability. Remember to avoid overstating capabilities and use qualifiers when the ability is uncertain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to proceed

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing the potential to move forward.

capability to sustain

Substitutes "continue" with "sustain", highlighting the power to maintain an activity or process.

potential for continuation

Shifts from ability to "potential", focusing on the possibility of ongoing action.

power to endure

Replaces "ability to continue" with emphasis on strength and perseverance.

prospect of ongoing activity

Highlights the future outlook rather than immediate ability.

likelihood of persistence

Emphasizes the probability of maintaining effort or existence.

opportunity to carry on

Focuses on having the chance or situation allowing continuation.

resources to proceed further

Highlights that continuation needs also resources.

means of sustaining operations

Highlights that continuation needs the correct instruments and tools.

room to develop

Shifts focus to the potential for growth and further development.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to continue" to describe the capacity to sustain an action or process. For example: "The company's "ability to continue" operations depends on securing new funding."

What is a formal alternative to "ability to continue"?

In formal contexts, you might use "capacity to proceed" or "potential for continuation" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Is "ability to continue" the same as "opportunity to continue"?

No, "ability to continue" refers to having the power or skill to keep going. "Opportunity to continue" implies having the chance or circumstances that allow continuation. They are related but focus on different aspects: capability vs. circumstance.

Which is more precise: "ability to continue" or "capacity to continue"?

"Ability" and "capacity" are often interchangeable, but "capacity" can sometimes imply a greater potential or scale. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. In most contexts, either phrase is acceptable.