ability to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to learn" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's capacity to gain knowledge, skills, and understanding. For example: "Daniel had a remarkable ability to learn, and he quickly mastered the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You also need the ability to learn.

Independent

Their ability to learn is severely compromised.

The Guardian

The ability to learn from mistakes.

Harvard Business Review

But the ability to learn from one's experience is critical.

The New York Times

"What is affected is their ability to learn," she said.

The New York Times

But he is enthusiastic about their ability to learn.

The Guardian

You need to have a capacity and ability to learn.

The Guardian

He has an unbelievable ability to learn and learn fast.

The Guardian - Sport

They develop habits that impede their ability to learn.

The New York Times

However, you omitted one factor: the ability to learn.

The Economist

But John's ability to learn can also be inspiring.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's potential, use "ability to learn" to highlight their capacity for future growth and development.

Common error

Avoid attributing success solely to the "ability to learn" without acknowledging the importance of effort, practice, and external resources. Learning is a combination of innate capacity and dedicated work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to learn" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the inherent or acquired capacity to acquire knowledge or skills. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to learn" is a grammatically correct and very common expression that describes someone's capacity to acquire new knowledge and skills. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. It functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves to highlight an individual's potential for growth and development. Alternative phrases such as "capacity to learn" and "aptitude for learning" offer nuanced variations of the same core concept. While its use is generally appropriate across diverse settings, it's important to remember that learning involves both innate capacity and dedicated effort. Authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and Forbes frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to learn

Focuses on the inherent potential or maximum amount that can be learned.

aptitude for learning

Highlights a natural talent or inclination towards learning.

knack for learning

Emphasizes an ease or informal skill in acquiring new information.

talent for acquiring knowledge

Replaces "learn" with "acquiring knowledge", shifting focus to the process of gaining information.

skill in learning

Highlights competence and proficiency in the process of learning.

potential for growth

Emphasizes the possibility of future development and learning.

openness to learning

Focuses on a receptive attitude and willingness to learn.

receptiveness to new ideas

Highlights the ability to accept and understand new concepts, broadening the scope beyond just "learning".

quickness in understanding

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of comprehension, a key aspect of effective learning.

eagerness to learn

Highlights enthusiasm and motivation as drivers of learning.

FAQs

How can I improve my "ability to learn"?

Improving your "ability to learn" involves cultivating effective study habits, seeking diverse learning experiences, and maintaining a growth mindset. Strategies like active recall, spaced repetition, and concept mapping can enhance retention and comprehension.

What is another way to say "ability to learn"?

You can use phrases like "capacity to learn", "aptitude for learning", or "knack for learning" as alternatives to "ability to learn", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "ability to learn" and "willingness to learn"?

"Ability to learn" refers to the innate or developed capacity to acquire new knowledge or skills. "Willingness to learn", on the other hand, describes a person's attitude and motivation towards seeking and embracing new learning opportunities. While related, they represent different aspects of a person's learning profile.

How does "ability to learn" relate to intelligence?

"Ability to learn" is often considered a key component of intelligence. While intelligence encompasses a broader range of cognitive functions, the "ability to learn" new information, solve problems, and adapt to changing circumstances is a central aspect of intelligent behavior.