ability to live

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ability to live' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it anytime you are describing someone's capacity to sustain life or to continue living. For example, "His unwavering commitment to his goals despite difficult circumstances shows his remarkable ability to live."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The college should have the ability to live themselves.

University of California, Berkeley

"She has the ability to live with many unknowns.

The New York Times

We're trying to offer people the ability to live their lives the way they want to".

The Guardian

And to be certain, he has the physical ability to live up to his words.

The New York Times - Sports

"This horror grips you, becomes almost unimaginable in your ability to live with it.

The New York Times

"Rising job insecurity is affecting people's ability to live and plan their lives.

The Guardian

He wants what straights take for granted: the ability to live without shame.

The New Yorker

What does change is their ability to live up to those values.

The Guardian

"One thing we talk a lot about is the ability to live with killing," she said.

The New York Times - Books

We benefit enormously from the ability to live in other countries too".

The Guardian

The ability to live for five hundred years would be an incredible gift.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental issues, use "ability to live" to emphasize the impact of pollution and climate change on ecosystems and human populations.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to live" in contexts where more specific terms like "lifestyle", "existence", or "survival" would be more appropriate. Vague usage can dilute the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to live" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the general capacity or potential to sustain life or maintain a certain quality of living. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to live" is a versatile and frequently used expression that denotes the capacity to sustain life or maintain a certain standard of living. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its use spans diverse contexts, from discussions about environmental sustainability and economic stability to personal freedoms and healthcare, as shown in the numerous examples available on Ludwig. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to use it precisely, avoiding overly abstract contexts where more specific terms would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to survive

Emphasizes the basic capability to remain alive, often under challenging conditions.

resources for survival

Underscores the availability of essential supplies and support for staying alive.

means to subsist

Focuses on having the necessary resources to maintain life.

power to endure

Focuses on the strength and resilience needed to continue living through hardship.

opportunity to thrive

Highlights the chance not just to live, but to flourish and prosper.

capability to function

Emphasizes the ability to perform necessary actions for daily living.

potential for longevity

Stresses the possibility of a long lifespan.

freedom to exist

Highlights the liberty or right to live without oppression or constraint.

prospects for survival

Focuses on the likelihood or chances of continuing to live.

scope to flourish

Highlights the potential and possibilities for growth and prosperity in life.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to live" to discuss factors affecting one's existence, such as "The rising cost of living is impacting people's "ability to live" comfortably".

What are some alternatives to "ability to live"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "capacity to survive", "means to subsist", or "opportunity to thrive".

Is it correct to say "abilities to live" instead of "ability to live"?

"Abilities to live" is grammatically correct, but less common. "Ability to live" refers to the general capacity, while "abilities to live" might refer to specific skills or attributes that enhance survival.

What's the difference between "ability to live" and "ability to survive"?

"Ability to live" is broader, encompassing the overall quality of life and the means to sustain it. "Ability to survive" focuses more narrowly on enduring threats and maintaining existence under difficult circumstances.