ability to convey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ability to convey' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's ability to communicate information effectively. For example, "The speaker had the ability to convey complex ideas in an interesting and accessible way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She also lacks the acting ability to convey mixed motives.

Independent

Bernstein's astonishing ability to convey the meaning of music through speech was among his main strengths.

The New York Times - Arts

What saves him is his ability to convey spiritual states with a lambent clarity.

The New York Times - Books

The trick of characterisation on television is the ability to convey thought through an expression.

The Guardian

Ms. Tunney's ability to convey such neurosis is a tribute to her performance.

The New York Times

Britten had an uncanny ability to convey character through inspired musical strokes.

The New York Times - Arts

An ability to convey this sensation is, I believe, at the heart of the matter.

The Guardian - Books

O'Farrell has a remarkable ability to convey the texture of human emotion with precision.

The Guardian - Books

The difference is in her ability to convey a sense of bodies in motion.

The New York Times - Arts

He admired, he said, the great actor's ability to convey emotion while "listening into the silence".

Independent

David Fox turns to abstraction for its ability to convey movement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's communication skills, specify the context in which they demonstrate the "ability to convey", for example, "ability to convey complex technical information".

Common error

While "ability to convey" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very formal writing. Vary your phrasing with synonyms like "capacity to articulate" or "skill at expressing" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to convey" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes someone's capacity or skill in communicating or transmitting information effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to convey" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to describe the capacity to communicate information effectively. As per Ludwig AI, it is correct and suitable for diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. While it is very common in News & Media, it also sees significant use in scientific and academic writing. Synonyms like "capacity to communicate" or "skill at expressing" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember to provide specific context to enhance clarity when describing someone's "ability to convey".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to communicate

Emphasizes the general skill of communication rather than the specific act of conveying.

skill at expressing

Focuses on the proficiency in articulation and expression.

aptitude for communicating

Highlights a natural talent or inclination for communication.

talent for imparting

Suggests a knack for sharing or bestowing information or knowledge.

competence in transmitting

Implies a qualified capability to pass on or broadcast information effectively.

power to articulate

Stresses the strength and effectiveness in expressing oneself clearly.

facility in rendering

Highlights the ease and smoothness in presenting or performing something.

potential for expressing

Focuses on the latent capacity to communicate effectively.

art of communicating

Emphasizes the creative and skillful aspect of conveying information.

means of communicating

Focuses on tools or instruments used to convey a message.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to convey" to describe someone's capacity to communicate information effectively. For instance, "The speaker's ability to convey complex ideas made the presentation engaging."

What are some alternatives to "ability to convey"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "capacity to communicate", "skill at expressing", or "talent for imparting".

Is it better to say "ability to convey" or "ability to communicate"?

While both are correct, "ability to convey" specifically emphasizes the act of transmitting information, whereas "ability to communicate" is a broader term encompassing all aspects of communication.

How does "ability to convey" differ from "expertise in communicating"?

"Ability to convey" refers to a general competence in transmitting information, while "expertise in communicating" implies a higher level of skill and specialized knowledge in communication strategies.