ability to extend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to extend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or potential to increase or broaden something, such as skills, services, or features. Example: "The software has the ability to extend its functionality through various plugins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Goodell said: "You always have the ability to extend.

The New York Times - Sports

His ability to extend a play by evading a sack remains his greatest gift.

The New York Times - Sports

He showed good pocket movement and the ability to extend the action with his legs.

The New York Times

This game was just another showcase of Ben Roethlisberger's uncanny ability to extend the play.

The New York Times

Moreover, the photographic frame can reveal the unsettling ability to extend and include us in its space.

The Guardian - Opinion

The key is their ability to extend their influence across administrative boundaries and maintain safe space for the animals.

The Economist

The company does not have the decision-making control that it needs in the United States, Mr. Singleton said, or the ability to extend its brand.

The New York Times

On top of this, and similarly to PS4, new apps give the ability to extend content made in your living room straight to the gaming community.

The Guardian - Tech

The ability to extend his pursed lips as much as 10.4 centimetres had often meant the difference between achieving part of his thorax and not.

The New Yorker

"In a tie between two pilots, or in a close situation, the ability to extend programming digitally is going to outweigh other considerations," he added.

The New York Times

Echoing this tendency, the Cavaradossi, Franco Farina, showed a veritably del Monaco-like ability to extend every high note in his part.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to extend", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being extended. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "This has the ability to extend." Instead, specify what can be extended, such as "This software has the ability to extend its functionality through plugins."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to extend" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the capacity or potential to increase the scope, duration, or reach of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to extend" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the capacity or potential to broaden or increase something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides various examples across news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. To enhance clarity, always specify what is being extended. Alternative phrases include "capacity to broaden" and "potential to expand". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "ability to extend" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to broaden

Focuses on increasing the scope or range.

potential to expand

Highlights the inherent possibility for growth.

capability to augment

Emphasizes the ability to increase or enhance something.

power to amplify

Suggests a strong ability to increase in magnitude or effect.

aptitude to lengthen

Specifically refers to the ability to make something longer.

skill at prolonging

Highlights the expertise in extending the duration of something.

facility to enlarge

Focuses on the ease with which something can be made bigger.

room for growth

Implies the existence of opportunities for future expansion.

scope for development

Indicates the potential for further improvement or advancement.

opportunity to build upon

Highlights the chance to add to or improve something already existing.

FAQs

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

Use "ability to extend" to describe the capacity or potential to broaden or increase something, such as "The company's research division has the "ability to extend" the lifespan of batteries".

What are some alternatives to "ability to extend"?

You can use alternatives such as "capacity to broaden", "potential to expand", or "capability to augment" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "ability to extend" and "opportunity to develop"?

"Ability to extend" refers to an existing capacity to increase something, while "opportunity to develop" implies a chance to improve or expand something in the future.

Is it better to use "ability to extend" or "capacity for growth"?

Both are valid, but "ability to extend" focuses on the act of increasing something, whereas "capacity for growth" emphasizes the inherent potential for expansion.