ability to enumerate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to enumerate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or skill to list or count items or elements systematically. Example: "The candidate demonstrated a strong ability to enumerate the key points of the project during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Since EPS production is the obvious thing that differs between the two isogenic variants it is suggested that the EPS increases the survival and ability to enumerate in the mouse gut in vivo.

AMB Express

However, the ability to enumerate EFMs has been steadily improving [ 11– 11].

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

A significant challenge to any CTC detection method is the ability to enumerate very low number of CTC in the blood.

BMC Cancer

One of the key requirements for successful understanding of the cellular metabolism based on EMs is the ability to enumerate a representative subset of modes.

Bioinformatics

Evidence for linkage was found in our ability to enumerate the percentage of KIR2DL5 genes that were linked to another assayed gene.

Genome Medicine

In the recent five years, the flood of deep sequencing data has set the latest wave of microbiome research apart from earlier studies, with the ability to enumerate all of the cells in a complex microbial community at once [ 5].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Here we show that age reduces the ability to correctly enumerate in a glance, but the accuracy (veridicality), on average, remains unchanged with advancing age.

Plosone

This feature will require that the model describes both a reference value domain in which the values are linked to a parent concept in the NCI Thesaurus, with all children as permissible values, as well as the ability to explicitly enumerate the values linked to NCI Thesaurus concepts in the permissible value list.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

He likes to enumerate the elements of power.

The New York Times - Books

All of the situation that I tried to enumerate above - and a lot of other things - constitutes a somewhat gradual - often hidden, but nevertheless massive - removal and destruction of the ability of a particular group of people to survive.

The Guardian

The reasons to choose Rubio are easy to enumerate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to enumerate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being listed or counted. For example, "The software's ability to enumerate errors is crucial for debugging."

Common error

Avoid using "ability to enumerate" when simpler terms like "ability to count" or "ability to list" would suffice. "Ability to enumerate" is most appropriate when a comprehensive, systematic listing is implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to enumerate" functions as a noun phrase, with "ability" serving as the head noun and "to enumerate" acting as an infinitive phrase modifying the noun. It describes a capacity or competence. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to enumerate" is a grammatically correct and useful expression to convey someone's capacity or skill to systematically list or count items. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what needs listing, and avoid it in simple situations where "ability to list" would do. Remember that similar expressions include "capacity to list" or "skill in counting", so use the one that's most appropriate to your specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to list

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", focusing on the potential rather than the skill itself.

skill in counting

Emphasizes the proficiency in the act of counting, rather than a broader listing.

competence in enumeration

Uses a more formal term, "competence", implying a demonstrated skill.

aptitude for cataloging

Suggests a natural talent for creating a detailed list.

facility with itemizing

Focuses on the ease and efficiency with which someone can create a list of items.

capability to tally

Implies the potential to count and record items, often in a numerical form.

power to specify

Highlights the authority and control in explicitly stating items.

effectiveness in detailing

Focuses on how well someone provides a comprehensive account of items.

potential for indexing

Highlights ability to create an index.

adeptness at accounting

Implies skill to enumerate in the context of bookkeeping.

FAQs

How to use "ability to enumerate" in a sentence?

Use "ability to enumerate" when you want to express someone's capacity or skill to list or count items systematically. For example: "The algorithm has the "capacity to list" all the possible outcomes."

What can I say instead of "ability to enumerate"?

You can use alternatives such as "capacity to list", "skill in counting", or "competence in enumeration", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "ability to enumerate" and "ability to list"?

"Ability to enumerate" implies a more comprehensive and systematic counting or listing, while "ability to list" is a more general term. Enumeration suggests a complete accounting, while listing may be selective.

Is "ability to enumerate" formal or informal?

"Ability to enumerate" leans towards a more formal register. In more casual settings, using phrases like "skill in counting" or "capacity to list" might be more appropriate.