Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
ability to excrete
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "ability to excrete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to biology, health, or physiology when discussing the function of organisms to eliminate waste. Example: "The ability to excrete waste is essential for maintaining homeostasis in living organisms."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Encyclopedias
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
48 human-written examples
Other studies comparing urinary Na excretion of SHR and WKY males [ 12, 13] have found decreased urinary Na excretion and a reduced renal ability to excrete Na, in spite of BP differences.
Science
The disorder is the result of an inborn error of metabolism that hinders the liver's ability to excrete copper normally.
Encyclopedias
The limits of renal ability to excrete acid and establish a gradient of the concentration of hydrogen ions between plasma and urine has been mentioned above.
Encyclopedias
People at risk include those with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, Type 1 diabetes and adrenal insufficiency, each of which can interfere with the kidneys' ability to excrete potassium.
News & Media
Due to the structural polarity of spheroids and their ability to excrete bile into channels, they are a unique three-dimensional model of in vitro liver tissue self-assembly.
Science
Lice M.D. uses dimethicone to inhibit the louse's ability to excrete water, effectively drowning it (if you need to know more than that, a more thorough explanation can be found here).
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
12 human-written examples
We directly tested the ability of morphants to excrete water by injecting fluorescent dextran and monitoring its levels in the body immediately after injection, and again after 24 hours.
The ability to measure excreted 6-oxo-M1dG has the potential for clinical relevance in assessing the levels of oxidative DNA damage in humans.
Systemic volume depletion, in turn, compromises the ability of the kidney to excrete water and sodium.
Science
These results corroborate a significant relation between the presence of the virus in the head and the ability of the female to excrete virus by saliva.
Science
A tolC mutation impairs the ability of the cell to excrete toxicants, which leads to higher intracellular concentrations.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing about biological processes, use "ability to excrete" to clearly indicate the capacity of an organism or organ to eliminate waste products or substances.
Common error
Avoid using "ability to excrete" in casual conversation or informal writing. It is a technical term best reserved for scientific, medical, or formal contexts. Use simpler terms like "get rid of" or "remove" in less formal situations.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "ability to excrete" functions as a noun phrase that describes the capacity or capability of an organism or tissue to eliminate waste products or specific substances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct.
Frequent in
Science
88%
Encyclopedias
6%
News & Media
4%
Less common in
Formal & Business
1%
Wiki
1%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "ability to excrete" is a grammatically sound phrase widely employed to denote the capacity to eliminate substances, primarily in scientific and medical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans various scientific domains, and understanding its function is vital for precise communication in these fields. While alternatives exist, such as "capacity to eliminate", "ability to excrete" is particularly apt when emphasizing a physiological function. Remember to reserve this term for formal or technical writing, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
capacity to eliminate
Focuses on the general capability of removing something.
function to discharge
Highlights the physiological action of releasing a substance.
power to secrete
Emphasizes the act of producing and releasing a substance.
aptitude to expel
Suggests a natural tendency or suitability for expelling.
facility to void
Refers to the ease with which something can be emptied or discharged.
potential to eliminate
Highlights the possibility or capability of removing something.
capability to evacuate
Indicates the capacity to clear out or empty something completely.
skill at excretion
Focuses on the proficiency or expertise in the process of excretion.
mechanism for excretion
Describes the system or process by which excretion occurs.
means of elimination
Indicates the method or instrument used for removing waste.
FAQs
How is "ability to excrete" used in a scientific context?
In scientific writing, "ability to excrete" refers to the capacity of an organism or tissue to eliminate waste products or specific substances. For example, a study might examine the kidney's "ability to excrete sodium".
What are some synonyms for "ability to excrete"?
Alternatives include "capacity to eliminate", "function to discharge", or "power to secrete", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
What factors can affect the "ability to excrete"?
Various factors, such as kidney disease, certain medications, and genetic disorders, can impair the "ability to excrete waste" products effectively.
Is there a difference between "ability to excrete" and "ability to secrete"?
"Ability to excrete" refers specifically to the elimination of waste or unwanted substances. "Ability to secrete" refers to the production and release of useful substances, such as hormones or enzymes. While related, they describe different physiological processes.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested