ability to function at work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to function at work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capacity to perform their job duties effectively. Example: "Her ability to function at work has significantly improved since she started the new training program."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

In other research, Berndt has assessed how illness and its treatment affect individuals' ability to function at work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The difference between dementia and mild cognitive impairment rests on whether or not symptoms significantly interfere in the ability to function at work or in usual daily activities.

Medicine - Programa de Formación Médica Continuada Acreditado

Black women are more likely to be depressed and when they are, their symptoms are more severe, last longer and are more likely to interfere with their ability to function at work, school and home.

The New York Times

Pain is an extremely complex, poorly understood medical problem that can have profound effects on your physical and mental wellbeing and on your ability to function at work, at home, and in your day-to-day social interactions.

Stanford University

"All of us can come up with lots of ways to spend our time that feel 'better' to us than getting a good night's sleep, and we don't emphasise enough just how important getting the right amount of sleep is to our physical and mental health and wellbeing and our ability to function at work.

The Guardian

Resulting outcomes, such as missed deadlines and forgotten engagements, may ultimately impact the ability to function at work, school, home, or in a social environment.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The miracle is their ability to function at all, and to not go to pieces when every move hangs between life and death.

The New Yorker

Secondly, benzodiazepine withdrawal can last months or even years in some cases – and if tapers aren't conducted slowly and carefully, people's ability to function at home and at work can be destroyed.

Vice

Will these cognitive deficits interfere with their ability to function at home and on the job?

HuffPost

They interfere with the ability to function independently at work or at usual activities.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Critical to our ability to function effectively at home or work, the "executive functions" include prioritizing, problem solving, judgment, abstract thinking, controlling emotions and awareness of self and others.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing an individual's well-being, consider the broader context. Instead of simply stating someone has the "ability to function at work", elaborate on how their physical, mental, or emotional state affects their work performance.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to function at work" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, specify which aspects of functioning are affected, such as cognitive skills, physical stamina, or emotional regulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to function at work" acts as a noun phrase, specifying the capacity or competence to perform effectively in a professional environment. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

28%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to function at work" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe someone's capacity to perform their job effectively. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While common across academic, news, and scientific sources, it's important to use the phrase with specificity, detailing the factors affecting an individual's performance rather than using it as a generic statement. Consider alternatives like "capacity to work effectively" for a fresh perspective, and always ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to work effectively

Focuses on the inherent potential and ability to produce a desired result at work.

capability to perform job duties

Highlights the skills and qualifications needed to execute specific tasks within the workplace.

competence in the workplace

Emphasizes the required knowledge and abilities to succeed and contribute positively in a work environment.

effectiveness at work

Focuses on the degree to which someone achieves the desired outcomes and goals in their job.

proficiency in work-related tasks

Stresses the level of skill and expertise in handling tasks and responsibilities at work.

ability to maintain productivity at work

Highlights the capacity to consistently deliver expected results and outputs while working.

aptitude for workplace performance

Emphasizes a natural talent or inclination towards performing well in a work setting.

skill in executing professional responsibilities

Underscores the specific skills and techniques used to successfully handle work-related tasks.

capacity to handle work demands

Focuses on the ability to manage the workload and pressure associated with a particular job or role.

potential for high job performance

Highlights the promise and likelihood of achieving excellent results and contributions in the workplace.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ability to function at work"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity to work effectively", "competence in the workplace", or "effectiveness at work" depending on the context.

What factors might affect someone's "ability to function at work"?

Many factors can impact this ability, including physical health, mental health, stress levels, work environment, and job satisfaction. Addressing these can improve an individual's overall functioning at work.

Is "ability to function at work" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "ability to function at work" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, using a synonym like "capacity to perform job duties" might be preferable.

How is "ability to function at work" different from "able to function at work"?

While similar, "ability to function at work" refers to the general capacity or potential, while "able to function at work" implies a current state or capability. The first emphasizes the inherent skill, the second the present competence.