ability to engage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to engage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to interact, involve, or connect with others effectively. Example: "Her ability to engage with the audience made the presentation much more impactful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Does the new teacher have "it" — the ability to engage learners in the job of learning?

The New York Times

Almost everyone I spoke with praised Roberts's storytelling, her incantatory ability to engage the reader.

The New Yorker

It is an ability to engage and infuriate in equal measure.

The Guardian - Books

She brought to her work an extraordinary ability to engage others in the psychoanalytic experience.

The New York Times

That policy has curtailed Tokyo's ability to engage Pyongyang in the nuclear and missile disputes.

The New York Times

They directly reduce the government's ability to engage in public spending.

The New York Times

This ability to engage directly can be taken to the next level.

The Guardian

Social media make "our ability to engage in a conversation" about those stories easier, she added.

The New York Times

But scarcity of land is why we developed the ability to engage in dense construction.

The New York Times

Microsoft wasn't trying to reduce the antitrust division's ability to engage in p.r.; Microsoft was trying to reduce its ability to engage in antitrust -- in a year when there had been a 30percentt increase in corporate mergers.

The New York Times

It is the ability to engage in complex deliberations and feel which arguments have the most weight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's qualities, use "ability to engage" to highlight their skill in fostering interaction and interest, as in "Her ability to engage the audience made the presentation more effective".

Common error

While "ability to engage" is versatile, avoid relying on it excessively in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary by using more specific terms like "skill in connecting", "capacity to involve", or other context-specific alternatives to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to engage" functions as a noun phrase describing the capacity or skill to involve, connect, or interact effectively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to engage" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the capacity for effective interaction and connection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various domains. While "ability to engage" is common, remember to vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "skill in connecting" or "capacity to involve" for enhanced clarity and precision. Its frequency and applicability make it a valuable component of effective communication. Ensure you distinguish it from "willingness to engage", which addresses inclination rather than capability. Whether in news, science, or business contexts, mastering the use of "ability to engage" will strengthen your communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to involve

Emphasizes the potential or power to bring someone or something into a situation or activity.

skill in connecting

Highlights the proficiency in establishing a rapport or link with others.

aptitude for interaction

Focuses on the natural talent or inclination for interpersonal communication.

competence in relating

Indicates the qualified ability to establish a connection or understanding with others.

potential for involvement

Highlights the possibility of someone or something becoming engaged.

talent for captivating

Focuses on the natural gift for attracting and holding the attention of others.

effectiveness in reaching out

Emphasizes the success in making contact and building relationships with others.

power to influence

Highlights the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

facility in communicating

Indicates the ease and skill in conveying information and ideas.

strength in attracting

Focuses on the capability to draw interest and attention.

FAQs

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

Use "ability to engage" to describe someone's capacity to connect, involve, or interact effectively with others. For example, "The teacher's "ability to engage" students made learning enjoyable".

What are some alternatives to "ability to engage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "capacity to connect", "skill in involving", or "aptitude for interaction". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing a substitute.

Is there a difference between "ability to engage" and "willingness to engage"?

"Ability to engage" refers to the capacity or skill to interact effectively, while "willingness to engage" refers to the readiness or inclination to do so. Someone might have the "ability to engage" but lack the willingness, or vice versa.

Which is a better phrase, "ability to engage with" or "ability to engage"?

Both are correct, but "ability to engage" is more concise and often preferred. "Ability to engage with" might be used when specifying what or whom someone is engaging with, such as "ability to engage with complex topics".