ability to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or skill to perform a specific action or task. Example: "Her ability to do complex calculations quickly impressed her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She has the ability to do it.

The New York Times - Sports

We have the ability to do it".

Independent

But Pablo has the ability to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

Andrés has the ability to do both.

The Guardian - Sport

"He has the ability to do that".

The New York Times - Sports

It has counted on Israel's ability to do the job.

The Washington Post

And he has the ability to do that.

The New York Times

The Internet's ability to do that is not unique.

The New York Times

But their ability to do that has been seriously affected".

The New York Times

They've taken away my ability to do that.

The Guardian

You have the ability to do more as an artist".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific skill, use "ability to do" followed by a clear and concise action verb. For example, "ability to do complex calculations" is more effective than "ability to do things".

Common error

Avoid using "ability to do" in overly broad or vague contexts. Instead of saying someone has the "ability to do anything", specify the particular skills or actions they are capable of.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to do" functions as a noun phrase, specifically describing the capacity or competence to perform an action. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates someone's skill or power to execute something. The examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to do" is a versatile and widely used expression that denotes the capacity or competence to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a variety of contexts, ranging from formal academic papers to informal news reports. With a high frequency of occurrence and consistent usage across diverse sources, it serves as a clear and effective way to describe capabilities. While alternatives like "capacity to perform" or "skill to execute" exist, "ability to do" remains a straightforward and reliable choice. Remember to avoid overly broad statements and specify the particular actions or skills you are describing for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to perform

Focuses on the potential or inherent capability to execute a task.

capability to execute

Emphasizes the power and means necessary to carry out something.

competence to undertake

Highlights the skill and knowledge required for a task.

qualified to accomplish

Suggests having the necessary qualifications or credentials.

empowered to act

Implies having the authority or permission to take action.

equipped to handle

Focuses on being prepared or provided with what is needed.

potential to achieve

Highlights the possibility of reaching a desired outcome.

aptitude for carrying out

Emphasizes a natural talent or inclination.

skill in performing

Underscores proficiency and expertise.

facility for conducting

Suggests ease and smoothness in execution.

FAQs

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

Use "ability to do" to describe someone's capacity or skill to perform a specific action. For example: "She has the "ability to do" the job well".

What are some alternatives to "ability to do"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity to perform", "capability to execute", or "competence to undertake" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "ability to do" or "abilities to do"?

"Ability to do" refers to a general skill or capacity. "Abilities to do" is used when referring to multiple, specific skills. For example, "He has the "ability to do" math", versus "He has the "abilities to do" calculus, algebra, and geometry".

What is the difference between "ability to do" and "opportunity to do"?

"Ability to do" refers to the capacity or skill to perform an action, while "opportunity to do" refers to the chance or situation that allows an action to be performed. For instance, you might have the "ability to do" something, but not the "opportunity to do" it.