ability to ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing the capacity to establish a basis or foundation for something, often in technical or philosophical discussions. Example: "The engineer's ability to ground complex theories in practical applications is what sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The first of our two models produces its answers as symbolic facts, demonstrating an ability to ground language.

Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures

The ability to "ground truth" results with conventional measurements is also necessary.

Field Crops Research

Many critics point to the sociological aspects of her writing, but it's Kramer's ability to ground these aspects in individual narratives which distinguishes her reporting.

The New Yorker

In effect, Machine Learning based approaches to provide robots with an ability to ground symbols heavily rely on ad hoc perceptual representation provided by AI designers.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Mr. Lewis's gift is to turn highly complex phenomena into engaging stories, while Mr. Sorkin possesses the complementary ability to ground lofty abstractions in recognizable human motives and aspirations.

The New York Times

Thrall's conclusion should be taken to heart: "In a Trump-dominated news environment the world loses its complexity and we lose the ability to ground foreign policy in a realistic and sophisticated debate about how to meet the challenges we face.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But we're also seeing how much the future will depend on the military's ability to fight ground wars against guerrilla soldiers and take villages and cities using ground forces, rather than all-out bombardment of heavily populated areas.

The New York Times

Today Graf's timing returned on cue, as did her ability to blast ground strokes that streak across the net and land precisely wherever she intends them to fall.

The New York Times - Sports

With more receivers to cover, Williams's ability to cover ground is critical.

The New York Times - Sports

Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire said he wanted to use Gomez's speed and ability to cover ground in the outfield.

The New York Times

The Yankees like his ability to induce ground balls, and they are hopeful his splitter will continue to improve.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to ground", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being grounded. Be specific about the object or concept being connected to reality or a solid foundation.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to ground" in vague contexts. Without a clear subject or object, the phrase can lack impact. Instead of saying "They have the ability to ground", specify what they are grounding: "They have the ability to ground their theories in practical experience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to ground" functions as a noun phrase describing the capacity or skill to connect abstract concepts, theories, or ideas to concrete realities, practical applications, or empirical evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to ground" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies the capacity to connect abstract ideas to concrete realities, which is particularly valuable in analytical contexts and professional discussions. While not exceptionally common, its usage spans various domains including news, science, and academia. When employing the phrase, clarity is key—ensure the context makes it clear what is being grounded. Using alternative phrases like "skill at anchoring" or "talent for contextualizing" can add nuance to your writing. The phrase emphasizes practicality and relevance, making it suitable for expressing the value of real-world application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aptitude for grounding

Highlights a natural talent for making abstract concepts concrete.

skill at anchoring

Emphasizes the expertise in firmly establishing something.

talent for contextualizing

Emphasizes the ability to place something in a relevant context.

competence in establishing

Highlights a demonstrated proficiency in creating a solid base.

capacity to substantiate

Focuses on providing evidence to support a claim or idea.

power to substantiate

Implies having the authority or means to provide evidence.

knack for concretizing

Suggests a special skill for making abstract ideas tangible.

capability to validate

Focuses on the ability to prove or confirm the accuracy of something.

potential for rooting

Suggests the possibility of establishing deep connections or foundations.

facility to corroborate

Highlights the ease with which something can be confirmed or supported.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to ground" to describe someone's capacity to connect abstract ideas to concrete reality, for example: "Her "ability to ground" philosophical concepts in everyday examples made her lectures engaging."

What is a good alternative to "ability to ground"?

Alternatives include "skill at anchoring", "aptitude for grounding", or "talent for contextualizing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "ability to ground" or "capacity to ground"?

Both "ability to ground" and "capacity to ground" are grammatically correct. "Ability" often implies a developed skill, while "capacity" refers to the potential to do something. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize skill or potential.

Is "ability to ground" more common in academic writing or general conversation?

"Ability to ground" can be used in both academic writing and general conversation, but it's more frequently found in contexts where theoretical or abstract ideas are being discussed. It is often employed to highlight the importance of practical application or real-world relevance.