ability to express

USAGE SUMMARY

"ability to express" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone's capacity or skill to articulate their thoughts or feelings. For example: "The ability to express oneself publicly is an invaluable skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What they really want is the ability to express empathy.

The Guardian - Tech

You have to keep the ability to express yourself.

The Guardian - Sport

This would afford students a fair opportunity to demonstrate their ability to express themselves in writing.

The New York Times

We both clearly had that ability to express ourselves musically by way of a gesture".

The Guardian - Music

Confidentiality agreements limit our ability to express ourselves; noncompete agreements limit our employment choices.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are exploring our ability to express ourselves and how far we can go with it.

The Guardian - Film

They were in love with Bassett's ability to express something other than depression.

The New Yorker

"Or you can create an ensemble based on everybody's ability to express themselves".

The New York Times

He has the soul of an artist but not the ability to express it.

The New Yorker

"It's beyond my ability to express it in socially acceptable terms".

The New York Times

Johnson's tone remains joyful, yet her ability to express that joy has been dramatically fractured.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's "ability to express" themselves, be specific about the context. For example, mention their "ability to express complex ideas in simple terms" or their "ability to express emotions effectively in writing".

Common error

Avoid vague statements about someone's "ability to express" themselves without providing concrete examples or context. Instead of saying "They have a great ability to express", specify what they express well, such as "They have a remarkable ability to express empathy in their writing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to express" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or skill someone possesses to articulate their thoughts, feelings, or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to express" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes someone's competence in conveying information or emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and business contexts, and can be used in both formal and informal settings. To ensure clarity, it is crucial to provide specific context regarding what is being expressed. Alternatives such as "capacity for expression" or "skill in articulation" may be used to add nuance. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively incorporate "ability to express" into their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for expression

Focuses on the inherent potential for conveying thoughts or feelings.

skill in articulation

Highlights the learned proficiency in expressing oneself.

power of communication

Emphasizes the strength and impact of expressive abilities.

aptitude for conveying

Stresses the natural talent in transmitting information or emotion.

facility in voicing

Highlights the ease and smoothness in expressing thoughts.

talent for articulating

Focuses on the innate ability to clearly and effectively express ideas.

knack for verbalizing

Emphasizes a specific, almost intuitive skill in putting thoughts into words.

competence in communicating

Highlights the demonstrated proficiency in sharing information and ideas.

potential for portrayal

Focuses on the possibility of representing something through expression.

means of expression

Stresses the resources available to express something.

FAQs

How can I improve my "ability to express" myself?

Practice writing and speaking regularly, focusing on clarity and conciseness. Seek feedback from others and pay attention to how effective communicators articulate their ideas. Also, expand your vocabulary and understanding of different communication styles.

What are some synonyms for "ability to express"?

You can use alternatives such as "capacity for expression", "skill in articulation", or "power of communication" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example "power of communication" emphasizes the strength of the ability.

Is it correct to say "abilities to express" instead of "ability to express"?

While "ability to express" refers to a general capability, "abilities to express" emphasizes multiple specific skills or techniques in expressing oneself. Consider the context to determine which is more appropriate.

How does alcohol affect a person's "ability to express" themselves?

Alcohol can impair a person's "ability to express" themselves clearly and coherently by affecting cognitive functions and motor skills. This impairment can lead to misunderstandings and difficulty in conveying thoughts and feelings accurately.