ability to indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to show, point out, or demonstrate something. Example: "The software's ability to indicate errors in real-time is crucial for maintaining quality control."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Another feature United offers is the ability to indicate "quiet times," so no calls interrupt your sleep between, say, 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The New York Times - Travel

Current risk management tools lack predictive ability to indicate potential risks before the start of a project.

International Journal of Project Management

We review both the ability to assess structure as built character and the ability to indicate the state of deterioration.

NDT & E International

The "coin-tap" test has the ability to indicate damage in a structural element due to a localized change of stiffness or damping.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Each system was defined by 4 characteristics: the percentage missed lame cows, the percentage false alarms, the system cost, and the ability to indicate which leg is lame.

Journal of Dairy Science

In this paper, we compare four landscape patchiness metrics on their ability to indicate how well landscapes potentially function to retain resources.

Ecological Indicators

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

No less an authority than the composer Richard Wagner, also one of the first modern conductors, said the "whole duty of a conductor is comprised in his ability always to indicate the right tempo".

The New York Times - Arts

"The whole duty of a conductor is comprised in his ability always to indicate the right tempo," said Richard Wagner, himself a supreme conductor as well as composer.

BBC

In contrast, IAH affects CO methods based on arterial waveform analysis in their ability to accurately indicate an increase in CO following fluid loading.

Critical Care

Their existence and ability to revitalize indicate that the tooth-forming potential in mammals is greater than what is evident in their functional dentitions.

Australian Dental Journal

Next best Alla Svelta (2.00 Newton Abbot) Caught a tartar on each of his hurdles outings but showed enough ability and pace to indicate he can take this.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to indicate", ensure that the subject possessing the ability is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ability to indicate" can sometimes sound clunky in formal writing. Consider using more concise alternatives like "can demonstrate" or "is capable of showing" for a smoother flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to indicate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or competence to show, signal, or make something known. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to indicate" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the capacity to show, signal, or make something known. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, though it advises that more concise alternatives may be preferable in formal writing. Common contexts include science, news and media, and formal business settings. The phrase's effectiveness stems from its precise conveyance of potential, making it a valuable tool in clear and informative communication. Alternative phrases include "capacity to demonstrate", "skill to point out", and "power to signify", each adding a nuanced flavor to the original meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to demonstrate

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "indicate" with "demonstrate", emphasizing the potential for showing something clearly.

skill to point out

Substitutes "ability" with "skill" and "indicate" with "point out", suggesting a learned proficiency in highlighting something.

power to signify

Replaces "ability" with "power" and "indicate" with "signify", highlighting the strength of the phrase in implying something.

aptitude for signaling

Changes "ability" to "aptitude" and "indicate" to "signaling", focusing on a natural talent for communicating information.

potential to denote

Replaces "ability" with "potential" and "indicate" with "denote", emphasizing the inherent possibility of representing something.

facility to reveal

Changes "ability" to "facility" and "indicate" to "reveal", suggesting ease in making something known.

capability to express

Replaces "ability" with "capability" and "indicate" with "express", focusing on the power to communicate thoughts or feelings.

competence in suggesting

Substitutes "ability" with "competence" and "indicate" with "suggesting", emphasizing the skill in implying something without stating it directly.

talent for highlighting

Replaces "ability" with "talent" and "indicate" with "highlighting", focusing on a natural aptitude for drawing attention to something.

resources to imply

Replaces "ability" with "resources" and "indicate" with "imply", focusing on the availability to suggest something without explicitly saying it.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "capacity to demonstrate", "skill to point out", or "power to signify" depending on the context.

What does "ability to indicate" mean?

It refers to the capacity or power to show, point out, or make something known, often through signs, signals, or other forms of communication.

Is it correct to say "the ability of indicating"?

While grammatically understandable, "the ability of indicating" is less common and often less clear than "the ability to indicate". The latter is generally preferred.

What is the difference between "ability to indicate" and "tendency to indicate"?

"Ability to indicate" refers to the capability of doing something, whereas "tendency to indicate" refers to a predisposition or likelihood to do something. "Ability to indicate" implies a potential, while tendency suggests a pattern.