ability to invent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to invent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capacity or skill to create new ideas, products, or concepts. Example: "Her ability to invent innovative solutions has greatly contributed to the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The hope that things can be different and that people have the ability to invent radically new ways to solve problems spurs inventiveness.

Huffington Post

Their ability to invent deadly pastimes in a room mostly emptied of dangerous objects is prodigious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the difference is that mankind has the ability to invent Domestos and antibacterial soap.

The Guardian

Similarly unorthodox in outlook, the two men share a chameleonlike ability to invent themselves anew.

The New York Times - Arts

It made me optimistic on some aspects like in our ability to invent solutions and share inspiration.

Columbia University

But how we tell our stories depends on another uniquely human characteristic -- our ability to invent and harness technology.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Wray claimed that his lack of musical ability forced him to invent sounds.

The Guardian

The whale population may have been finite, but the ability of people to invent new things is not, as Ramez Naam argues in his book, The Infinite Resource: The Power of Ideas on a Finite Planet.

The Guardian

On the contrary, it increases the ability of insiders to invent deceptive vehicles with infinite leverage.

Huffington Post

"Richard has the most astonishing ability to re-invent himself.

The Guardian - Books

Despite its high-tech facade, Idealab is something of a throwback to an age when entrepreneurs were dabblers and practically everything depended on one man's ability to keep inventing new ideas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ability to invent" to highlight the importance of fostering environments that encourage creativity and innovation.

Common error

Avoid attributing success solely to inherent "ability to invent" without acknowledging the roles of hard work, collaboration, and supportive resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to invent" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or skill to create new ideas, products, or concepts. This usage aligns with Ludwig's analysis, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to invent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the capacity to create new ideas or things. Ludwig's analysis confirms this, highlighting its usage across diverse contexts like news, academia, and science. While alternatives such as "capacity for innovation" and "talent for creation" exist, "ability to invent" remains a clear and effective way to emphasize inventive capabilities. Remember to acknowledge external factors, such as collaboration, when attributing success to this ability. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian further underscores its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for innovation

Emphasizes the potential or inherent capability to innovate.

talent for creation

Highlights a natural aptitude or skill in the act of creating.

skill in invention

Focuses on the developed proficiency in the process of inventing.

inventive aptitude

Stresses a natural inclination or suitability for inventing.

creative power

Refers to the force or energy behind creative acts, implying influence.

innovative potential

Highlights the possibility of future innovation.

faculty for devising

Indicates an inherent mental capacity or power for devising things.

knack for pioneering

Suggests a special talent or skill for being a pioneer or innovator.

resourcefulness in innovation

Focuses on the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties in creating new things.

visionary creativity

Implies a forward-thinking and imaginative approach to creating.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to invent" to describe someone's capacity to create new things, for example: "Her ability to invent innovative solutions has greatly contributed to the project's success."

What can I say instead of "ability to invent"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity for innovation", "talent for creation", or "skill in invention" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ability to invent" or "ability of inventing"?

"Ability to invent" is the correct and more common form. "Ability of inventing" is grammatically awkward and less frequently used.

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

"Ability to invent" suggests a demonstrated or existing skill, while "potential to invent" implies a capacity that has not yet been fully realized or proven.