ability to generate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to generate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's or something's capacity to produce or create something, often in a technical or creative context. Example: "The software's ability to generate complex reports has significantly improved our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No ability to generate jobs.

The New Yorker

And we have damaged our ability to generate international support.

The New York Times - Magazine

The ability to generate evil, sentient top 10 lists.

The Guardian

Allen's blessed ability to generate controversy has not deserted her.

The Guardian - Music

Has the ability to generate Self Organizing Maps.

Stanford University

Has the ability to generate k-means clusters.

Stanford University

But the firm hasn't shown an ability to generate profits.

The New York Times

Without them, the economy's ability to generate taxes will weaken.

The Economist

And so does the legend's ability to generate big bucks.

The Economist

Ability to generate income from tourism is important.

World Development

As the weight of reality presses against Trudeau's rhetoric, the ability to generate consent is crumbling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to generate", ensure that the noun following 'generate' is specific and clearly defines what is being created or produced. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to generate" in overly general situations where simpler verbs like 'create', 'produce', or 'make' would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex and less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to generate" functions as a noun phrase, specifically denoting the capacity or power to produce or create something. It is often used to describe a specific capability or skill, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, highlighting its function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to generate" is a versatile term used to describe the capacity to produce or create something. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields, including news, academia, and science. While it is a common expression, it's important to use it precisely and avoid vague applications, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. The frequency of its occurrence in reputable sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness for formal and professional communication. When using "ability to generate", clarity is key to make sure to specify precisely what is being generated to avoid unnecessary generality and enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to create

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "generate" with "create", focusing on the potential for production.

capability to produce

Substitutes "ability" with "capability" and "generate" with "produce", emphasizing the power to bring something into existence.

power to form

Uses "power" instead of "ability" and "form" instead of "generate", highlighting the potential to shape or create.

skill at creating

Focuses on expertise with the word "skill" and replaces "generate" with "creating", highlighting proficiency.

talent for producing

Emphasizes natural aptitude by using "talent" and substitutes "generate" with "producing".

aptitude for originating

Highlights inherent inclination using "aptitude" and uses "originating" in place of generate, stressing initial creation.

potential for developing

Focuses on future possibilities with "potential" and substitutes "generate" with "developing", implying growth and evolution.

resources to bring about

Shifts the focus to available resources with "resources" and replaces "generate" with the phrasal verb "bring about", emphasizing the act of causing something to happen.

means of production

Replaces "ability" and "generate" with terms focused on the actual means or methods used in production.

facility in devising

Stresses ease and dexterity using "facility" and substitutes "generate" with "devising", focusing on the act of planning and inventing.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to generate" to describe someone's or something's capacity to produce or create something. For example, "The company's "ability to generate revenue" is crucial for its survival."

What are some alternatives to "ability to generate"?

Alternatives include "capacity to create", "capability to produce", or "power to form", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "ability to generate" or "capacity to generate"?

Both "ability to generate" and "capacity to generate" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Ability" refers more broadly to the power or skill to do something, while "capacity" emphasizes the potential to hold or contain. Choose the one that best fits the specific context.

What's the difference between "ability to generate" and "potential to generate"?

"Ability to generate" refers to a current or demonstrated capability, while "potential to generate" indicates a latent or unrealized possibility. The former implies existing resources or skills, whereas the latter suggests future possibilities.