ability to judge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to judge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to evaluate or form opinions about something. Example: "Her ability to judge character accurately has always impressed her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Formal properties alone don't determine our ability to judge validity.

Yale University

The ability to judge the merits of particular arguments.

The Guardian

The CMKMS also was useful in promoting the student's thought processing, creativity, and ability to judge.

Computers & Education

Their competitive edge lies in their ability to judge creditworthiness and limit financial hazards.

The Economist

Or do they diminish a critic's ability to judge her on vocal merits alone?

The New Yorker

Studios seem to have lost confidence in their ability to judge public taste.

The Economist

We have the ability to judge that God is good or bad.

The New York Times

"People feel more comfortable in their ability to judge it," Mr. Danziger said.

The New York Times

Most cooking relies on the cook's ability to judge doneness based on sight and feel.

The New York Times - Magazine

What we really need from disclosure is the ability to judge rigor on a going-forward basis.

Harvard University

And, in fact, it is also true that formal properties alone don't determine our ability to judge invalidity.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing professional skills, emphasize the specific area where the "ability to judge" is crucial. For example, "ability to judge credit risk" or "ability to judge public taste" provides more context and impact.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "ability to judge" as purely subjective. Even when personal opinion is involved, highlight the criteria or experience that informs the judgment to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to judge" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a skill or capacity. It describes the power or competence to form an opinion or evaluation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to judge" signifies a crucial skill applicable across diverse contexts, denoting the capacity to evaluate and form opinions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Analysis of its usage reveals frequent appearances in News & Media, Science, and Academia, highlighting its relevance in both objective reporting and critical analysis. While the phrase is generally neutral, specific applications within professional or academic settings can elevate its formality.

Alternatives like "capacity to assess" or "skill in evaluating" offer nuanced variations. When employing the phrase, remember to substantiate judgments with clear criteria and avoid overstating subjectivity. By understanding its linguistic properties and usage patterns, writers can effectively communicate the presence and importance of evaluative skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to assess

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", focusing on the general power to evaluate.

skill in evaluating

Substitutes "ability" with "skill", highlighting expertise in judging.

aptitude for discernment

Uses more formal terms, "aptitude" and "discernment", indicating a natural talent for making distinctions.

talent for appraisal

Replaces "ability" with "talent", suggesting a natural gift for assessing value.

knack for assessment

Employs "knack" to imply an intuitive skill in evaluating.

expertise in judgment

Focuses on the specialized knowledge contributing to the act of judging.

competence in decision-making

Highlights the link between judging and the subsequent act of making decisions.

power of discrimination

Emphasizes the strength and effectiveness in distinguishing between options.

facility in forming opinions

Highlights the ease and efficiency in developing judgments.

strength in critical thinking

Connects the ability to judge with the broader skill of critical thought.

FAQs

How can I improve my "ability to judge" effectively?

Improving your "ability to judge" involves gathering relevant information, understanding different perspectives, and applying critical thinking skills. Seek feedback and reflect on past judgments to refine your evaluation process.

What does it mean to have the "ability to judge"?

Having the "ability to judge" means you possess the capacity to evaluate situations, people, or ideas and form reasoned opinions or decisions based on available information and experience. It's a blend of analysis, discernment, and critical thinking.

What are some skills related to the "ability to judge"?

Skills related to the "ability to judge" include critical thinking, analytical reasoning, discernment, evaluation, and decision-making. Developing these skills can enhance your capacity to assess situations and make informed judgments.

Which is a better phrase, "ability to judge" or "capacity to assess"?

Both phrases are valid, but the best choice depends on context. "Ability to judge" is more general, while "capacity to assess" might be preferred in more formal or technical situations, emphasizing a structured evaluation.