ability to join

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to join" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or capability to become part of a group, organization, or activity. Example: "Her ability to join the project team was contingent on her availability and expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The wait can be frustrating, since the ability to join depends on someone else dropping out.

The New York Times

Students also have the ability to join a number of notable associations, foundations, and clubs.

Cornell University

This paper presents a novel docking mechanism to provide small spacecraft with the ability to join and separate in space.

Acta Astronautica

An important aspect of the proposed approach is the ability to join directly the pdf of the input load with that of the response.

Engineering Structures

Compared to the common welding methods, adhesive bonding has many advantages such as simplified process, favourable fatigue properties, and the ability to join dissimilar metals.

Composite Structures

Compared to the common welding methods, adhesive bonding has many advantages such as simplified process, favorable fatigue properties, and the ability to join dissimilar metals.

Composite Structures

While universities were looking for the ability to "join the dots", students were instead learning "bite-size" chunks of information.

The Guardian

Isomorphism has to do with the ability to join datasets together, when they describe the same things.

Cornell University

Muhly has a remarkable ability to join forces with other musicians, cede control of his compositional process, and allow other artistic identities to mingle with his own.

The New Yorker

That he could do this was no surprise to anyone who had witnessed his ability to join up play when drifting central during the late 80s.

The Guardian - Sport

Dr. Ptashne, his post-doctoral adviser who now works at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, praises his ability to join formal analysis with imaginative approaches.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the requirements for joining a group or organization, clarify any specific criteria or prerequisites that influence one's "ability to join".

Common error

Avoid using "ability to join" when you actually mean "opportunity to join". Ability refers to inherent capability, while opportunity implies an external chance or possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to join" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a verb. Ludwig indicates that this construction is grammatically sound and commonly employed. It describes the capacity or capability to become part of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to join" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the capacity to become part of a group or organization. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted and understood. It frequently appears in various contexts, including news, academic research, and professional communications.

Several alternatives exist, such as "capacity to participate" or "eligibility for membership", offering nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning. However, it's essential to distinguish "ability" (inherent capability) from "opportunity" (external chance). As Ludwig points out by showing several examples, this is a versatile phrase with broad applicability. The expert rating underscores its correctness, source authority, and consistent usage, ensuring writers can confidently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to participate

Focuses on the general capability of taking part in something, rather than specifically becoming a member.

capability to enroll

Specifically refers to the ability to formally register in an organization or program.

potential to merge

Implies a future possibility of joining, rather than an existing ability.

eligibility for membership

Emphasizes meeting the necessary requirements to become a member.

option to affiliate

Suggests a choice or opportunity to associate with a group.

avenue for integration

Focuses on the process of being incorporated into a larger entity.

prospect of unification

Highlights the possibility of combining or uniting with something else.

scope for association

Indicates the extent to which one can connect or relate with others.

room for admittance

Highlights the possibility or permissibility of being allowed to enter or join.

open to subscription

Focuses on the process of formally signing up or registering to access a service or join a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to join" to describe someone's capacity or capability to become part of a group, organization, or activity. For instance, "Her "ability to join" the project team was contingent on her availability and expertise."

What are some alternatives to "ability to join"?

Alternatives include "capacity to participate", "eligibility for membership", or "option to affiliate", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "ability to join" and "opportunity to join"?

"Ability to join" refers to the inherent capacity or capability to become a member. "Opportunity to join", on the other hand, indicates an external chance or possibility. It's about capability versus access.

Is it correct to say "the ability of joining" instead of "ability to join"?

No, it is not correct. The correct phrasing is "ability to join", where "to join" is an infinitive. "The ability of joining" is grammatically incorrect in this context.