ability to import

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to import" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capacity or capability to bring in data, files, or resources into a system or application. Example: "The software's ability to import various file formats makes it highly versatile for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some games have better or earlier releases in other countries, and the ability to import and play them is an important one for, say, JRPG fans or expats.

TechCrunch

Consequently, the ability to import DNA into mitochondria may have important therapeutic and economic potential.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects

Higher global food prices have undercut North Korea's ability to import grain.

The New York Times

A freer exchange rate would hurt China's ability to import jobs and export goods.

The New York Times

The oil will not last forever, he said, nor will the ability to import expertise.

The New York Times

"And we have the ability to import as much as 2,000 megawatts of power from around the region.

The New York Times

Its key feature is the ability to import your own photos and then paint with their pixels.

The Guardian - Tech

"It would put a significant crimp in their ability to import," he said of the financial sanctions.

The New York Times

"Our ability to import US shale gas underpins the future of manufacturing at Grangemouth and across many businesses in Scotland.

The Guardian - Business

Republicans are caught between their nativist base and business interests, the latter of which want the ability to import high-skills labour and low-wage workers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Associated Press has released the latest edition of its Stylebook as an app, complete with the ability to import users' notes from last year's edition.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a system or application, specify what type of files or data the system has the "ability to import" to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify if you mean the ability to import "CSV files", "data from legacy systems", or "international talent".

Common error

Avoid generically claiming a product has the "ability to import" without indicating what it can import and from where. This vague statement lacks specifics, making it less convincing or useful to the reader. Always specify the source and type of data or goods that can be imported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to import" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes the capacity or capability to bring in something from an external source. Examples in Ludwig show its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to import" is a versatile and frequently used phrase signifying the capacity to bring something in from an external source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. To maximize clarity, specify what exactly can be imported. While "ability to import" is concise, alternatives like "capacity to import" or "capability to import" can be used for stylistic variation. Remember to be specific about the source and type of data when discussing "ability to import" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to import

Replaces "ability" with its direct synonym "capacity", maintaining identical meaning.

capability to import

Substitutes "ability" with "capability", another synonym emphasizing potential.

power to import

Uses "power" to denote the legal or official possibility to import.

right to import

Focuses on the entitlement or permission to import, implying legal authorization.

facility to import

Highlights the ease or convenience associated with importing.

means to import

Indicates the resources or methods available for importing.

potential to import

Emphasizes the possibility of importing, whether realized or not.

option to import

Focuses on the choice or selection of importing as a possibility.

authorization to import

Highlights the official approval required for importing.

access to import

Emphasizes the availability or means of access needed to facilitate import activities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ability to import" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "capacity to import", "capability to import", or "potential to import" depending on the context.

What does "ability to import" mean?

The phrase "ability to import" refers to the capacity or capability to bring in something from an external source. This could be data, goods, files, or even skills.

Which is more appropriate: "ability to import" or "capability of importing"?

Both "ability to import" and "capability of importing" are grammatically correct, but "ability to import" is generally more concise and common. "Capability of importing" might be used to emphasize the specific act of importing.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "ability to import"?

The phrase "ability to import" is appropriate in contexts where discussing the features of software, the economic conditions of a country, or the capabilities of an organization. It signifies the potential or power to bring resources or data from elsewhere.