ability to design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to design" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's skills or competencies in creating or planning something, such as a product, system, or project. Example: "Her ability to design innovative solutions has greatly contributed to the success of our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 2000, two landmark papers started a revolution in our ability to design entirely new functions inside cells.

Nature

It also restricts bioengineers' ability to design new microbes.

MIT Technology Review

The ability to design, model, and analyze engineering systems.

Cornell University

Provides ability to design and assess steel structures.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I expected them to have an ability to design for flexibility," he said.

The New York Times

Cut training in the visual arts and our national ability to design will be crippled.

The Guardian

I got my ability to design a set from my father.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The ability to design TIM barrels de novo opens new possibilities for custom-made enzymes.

Nature

Side effects limit our ability to design optimal drug treatments for cancer, neurodegenerative, and infectious diseases.

Yale University

However, while whole genomes can be constructed, the ability to design such systems is lagging.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a small girl, I would follow him around his workshop, transfixed by his ability to design and create something from scratch.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's qualifications, use "ability to design" to clearly and concisely highlight their skill in creating and planning.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating someone's "ability to design". Provide specific examples or evidence of their design skills to support your claims and maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to design" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific competence or capability. Ludwig provides numerous examples across different domains showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to design" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's competence in creating and planning. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is versatile and appears in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase is best used to highlight someone's qualifications, but it's important not to overstate their design abilities. Consider using alternatives like "capacity to design" or "skill in designing" to add nuance. Overall, "ability to design" remains a clear and effective way to express design capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to design

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing the potential or capability to perform the design task.

skill in designing

Shifts the focus to the level of expertise or proficiency in the act of designing.

capability for design

Highlights the inherent potential or aptitude for design-related tasks.

talent for designing

Emphasizes a natural aptitude or gift for the process of design.

competence in design

Focuses on the qualified and capable nature of someone in the field of design.

expertise in designing

Highlights specialized knowledge and skill within design-related activities.

proficiency in design

Highlights competence or skill level in the field of design.

knack for design

Suggests an intuitive skill or ease in the field of design.

aptitude for design

Emphasizes an inherent suitability or inclination towards design.

potential for design

Highlights the undeveloped capability or possibility related to design.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to design" to describe someone's competence in creating solutions or plans, for instance: "Her ability to design user-friendly interfaces is highly valued."

What are some alternatives to "ability to design"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity to design", "skill in designing", or "talent for designing" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate: "ability to design" or "design skills"?

"Ability to design" emphasizes the general capability, while "design skills" focuses on specific skills. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the overall potential or specific expertise.

What does it mean to have the "ability to design"?

Having the "ability to design" implies possessing the knowledge, skills, and creativity required to plan and create effective solutions, systems, or products.