ability to make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to make" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the capability of someone or something to create, develop, or bring about a certain thing. For example, "The teacher's ability to make complex concepts easier to understand was instrumental in the students' success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

still limits our ability to make predictions.

Acta Oecologica

It was beyond my ability to make".

The New York Times - Arts

impair the operator's ability to make predictions.

University of California, Berkeley

Beside his ability to make saves, his feet are outstanding.

The New York Times - Sports

Not everybody always has the ability to make it".

The New York Times

"Feeling that I have the ability to make a difference.

The Guardian

But potential competitors questioned his ability to make such inroads.

The New York Times

Nickname is Scissors for his ability to make cuts.

The New York Times - Sports

It ultimately affects my ability to make a living".

The New York Times

One virus restored the cells' ability to make the receptor.

The New York Times

He has also demonstrated an ability to make tough decisions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to make", ensure the context clearly defines what is being created or produced. For instance, specify "ability to make decisions" or "ability to make connections" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to make" without specifying the object or outcome. Vague statements like "He has the ability to make" lack clarity and require further context to be meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to make" functions as a noun phrase that specifies a capacity or competence to produce or create something. This phrase indicates the power or skill someone possesses to bring something into existence, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig confirms its validity and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to make" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that denotes the capacity or skill to create or produce something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifying what is being "made" to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "capacity to create" or "potential for generating" for nuanced expression. Found primarily in News & Media, Academic and Scientific sources, this phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Use it effectively to highlight competence and potential, ensuring you articulate the specific object or outcome of the "ability".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to create

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "make" with "create", emphasizing the potential to bring something into existence.

capability to produce

Substitutes "ability" with "capability" and "make" with "produce", highlighting the power to generate something.

potential for generating

Emphasizes the inherent possibility and process of creation using "potential" and "generating".

skill in crafting

Focuses on expertise and artistry, replacing "ability" with "skill" and "make" with "crafting".

power to construct

Highlights the strength and means to build or assemble something using "power" and "construct".

aptitude for forming

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude" and "make" with "forming", indicating a natural inclination towards creation.

facility with devising

Emphasizes ease and resourcefulness in creating using "facility" and "devising".

resources for developing

Shifts the focus to available resources and the process of growth using "resources" and "developing".

means of achieving

Focuses on the method or process of attaining a specific result, different from direct creation.

opportunity to build

Highlights the occasion or circumstance that allows for creation, rather than inherent capability.

FAQs

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

Use "ability to make" followed by a specific noun or noun phrase. For example, "She has the ability to make difficult choices" or "The software's ability to make accurate predictions is remarkable".

What are some alternatives to "ability to make"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "capacity to create", "capability to produce", or "potential for generating".

Is it better to use "ability to make" or "skill to make"?

"Ability" generally refers to a natural or acquired capacity, while "skill" implies proficiency developed through practice. Use "ability to make" when referring to a general capability, and "skill to make" when emphasizing expertise.

Which is more formal, "ability to make" or "capacity to make"?

"Capacity to make" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "ability to make", but both are suitable for most professional and academic contexts. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.