ability to formulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to formulate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's skill or capacity to create or develop ideas, plans, or solutions. Example: "Her ability to formulate innovative strategies has greatly contributed to the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It leads to self-control, the ability to formulate strategies in order to resist impulses.

The New York Times

But at her size, Henin's ability to formulate a strategy on the run is her greatest strength.

The New York Times - Sports

Dyslexics, she said, often have a variety of qualities, including resilience, adaptability and the ability to formulate original insight.

The New York Times

I was taught by him in my final year, and can remember his ability to formulate the most abstruse problems, and then solve them.

The Guardian - Business

In 1993, Jonathan Miller, who credits Freud with an ability to "formulate ideas that will capture people's attention," retained him to help promote Nickelodeon's début on BSkyB.

The New Yorker

Successful leaders have "great vision – the ability to formulate and shape the future, rather than be shaped by events", says Richard Harman, headmaster of Uppingham School, Rutland.

The Guardian

The traumatic experience of the Iraq war has clouded our ability to formulate effective policy to deal with the current situation in Syria.

The Guardian - Opinion

More than a fifth of youngsters got high scores then, suggesting they were developing the ability to formulate and test hypotheses.

The Economist

Even before the deadlock over the nuclear deal, the government's ability to formulate and implement reforms was hobbled by the UPA's informal alliance with the left-wing parties.

The Economist

Mr. Howe replied that the impact of mental illness on a defendant's ability to formulate the intent to commit a crime was "just too complex a question to ask a jury or judge to decide".

The New York Times

In the documents, Mr. Spitzer's lawyers argue that disclosing information such as that sought by the Senate would severely compromise the administration's ability to formulate public policy, with "dire consequences for the public interest".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to formulate", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being formulated. For instance, specify "ability to formulate a strategy", "ability to formulate a plan", or "ability to formulate an argument".

Common error

Avoid using "ability to formulate" in vague or overly broad contexts. Always clarify the object of formulation to provide a clear and specific understanding of the skill being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to formulate" functions as a noun phrase, describing a capability or capacity. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating someone's competence in creating or developing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to formulate" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that describes the capacity to create or develop ideas, plans, or solutions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is particularly frequent in scientific, news, and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to specify the object of formulation to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "capacity to develop" and "skill in creating". Overall, "ability to formulate" is a versatile and valuable phrase for expressing intellectual competence and problem-solving capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to develop

Focuses on the inherent potential to create or expand upon something.

skill in creating

Emphasizes the proficiency and expertise in the act of creation.

aptitude for generating

Highlights the natural talent or inclination towards producing new ideas or solutions.

competence in devising

Underscores the capability and qualification in planning or inventing.

power to construct

Suggests the strength and resources available to build or assemble something.

talent for shaping

Highlights a natural gift for influencing and molding something into a particular form.

facility in designing

Emphasizes the ease and efficiency in the process of creating a plan or structure.

potential to produce

Focuses on the latent capability to yield or bring forth results.

resourcefulness in originating

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to create something new.

knack for conceiving

Emphasizes a special skill or talent for forming ideas or plans.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to formulate" to describe someone's capacity to develop ideas or plans. For example, "Her ability to formulate innovative solutions made her an invaluable asset to the team."

What are some alternatives to "ability to formulate"?

Alternatives include "capacity to develop", "skill in creating", or "aptitude for generating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ability to formulate" or "skill to formulate"?

Both are acceptable, but "ability" emphasizes the general capacity, while "skill" highlights the proficiency gained through practice. The choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you wish to emphasize.

What's the difference between "ability to formulate" and "ability to implement"?

"Ability to formulate" refers to the capacity to create or develop ideas and plans, whereas "ability to implement" refers to the capacity to put those plans into action. One focuses on creation, the other on execution.