ability to do work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to do work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing energy, physics, or general capabilities in various fields. Example: "The engine's ability to do work efficiently is crucial for its performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Associated with each of these is the ability to do work.

Nuclear Energy An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems, and Applications of Nuclear Processes

Eco-exergy provides a Second Law derived measurement of the eco-system ability to do work.

Energy

Kitchin and Dodge argue that software, through its ability to do work in the world, transduces space.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MP 4..1 Why is the ability to do work decreased in B? How do we know?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The term energy was not applied as a measure of the ability to do work until rather late in the development of the science of mechanics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to the dictionary, energy is the ability to do work, to boil a pot of water, for example, or lift a space shuttle to orbit.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

In our assay, this energy barrier is lowered due to the high local concentration of kinesin at the microtubule surface and the ability of kinesin to do work.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Energy is the ability, theoretical or actual, to do work.

The New York Times

By contrast, ranolazine increases the ability of the heart to do work.

The New York Times

There are question marks over whether Giggs and Rooney will be fit but it is Rooney's absence which would be felt the greater because of his work-rate and ability to do defensive work in an attacking role.

BBC

Their experiences in the world of work give them flexibility and an ability to do team work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing energy in physics, use "ability to do work" to accurately convey the concept of energy as the capacity to perform work, adhering to its scientific definition.

Common error

Don't use "ability to do work" in contexts where simpler words like "skill" or "capability" suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal and complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to do work" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes the capacity or power to perform tasks or expend energy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to do work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves as a noun phrase, conveying the capacity or power to perform tasks or expend energy. Its usage spans across neutral, formal, and scientific registers, with prevalent occurrences in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When writing, it's crucial to use this phrase accurately, particularly in physics and scientific contexts, to define energy as the capacity to perform work. While it’s acceptable, avoid overusing this phrase in contexts where simpler alternatives like "skill" or "capability" would suffice. Understanding its appropriate application ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to perform work

Emphasizes the potential or maximum amount of work possible.

capability to execute tasks

Focuses on the competence to carry out specific tasks.

potential for accomplishment

Highlights the inherent possibility of achieving something.

skill in performing duties

Stresses the expertise and proficiency in carrying out responsibilities.

power to generate results

Implies the force or energy to produce outcomes.

aptitude for undertaking projects

Suggests a natural inclination or talent for handling projects.

effectiveness in task completion

Focuses on the degree to which tasks are successfully finished.

competence in handling responsibilities

Highlights the qualification and skill in managing duties.

talent for achieving goals

Emphasizes an innate gift for reaching objectives.

efficiency in performing functions

Stresses the optimized way of carrying out functions.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to do work" to describe someone's capacity to perform tasks or a system's efficiency in converting energy into useful output. For instance, "The new software greatly improved the team's "ability to do work" efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "ability to do work"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "capacity to perform work", "capability to execute tasks", or "potential for accomplishment".

Is it correct to say "the ability to working" instead of "ability to do work"?

No, "the ability to working" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "the ability to do work", where "do" is the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "ability to do work" and "willingness to do work"?

"Ability to do work" refers to the competence or capacity to perform tasks, while "willingness to do work" refers to the readiness or motivation to perform those tasks. You can have the "ability to do work" but lack the willingness, and vice versa.