The phrase "ability to make something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's skill or capacity to create or produce something.
Example: "Her ability to make something out of nothing is truly impressive."
Alternatives: "capacity to create" or "skill to produce".
Genius is the ability to make something very complex seem very simple.
Its ability to make something of almost nothing is one of the miracle advances of current genetic research.
Romo soon became known for his ability to make something happen when the planned play breaks down.
Balotelli always has the ability to make something out of nothing, and come up with the spectacular, which is why he needs to be watched carefully.
His ability to make something positive of an unfortunate situation reminded Connor Bryant of the character Ralph, from "Lord of the Flies".
"When it comes to pace and power, and the ability to make something of balls hit in behind defences, he is exceptional".
The living-history competition is divided into two categories: One rewards authenticity among the nine original wagons dating to the early-1800s, and the other tests the cooks' ability essentially to make something out of nothing, with beans, potatoes, bread and a mystery meat of beef, chicken, pork or goat.
The school took pupils of all abilities and tried to make something of them.
It's testament to the human ability to work together, to make something so much bigger than the sum of its parts.
Jobs's advice reads as if satisfaction is to be found in the job or the firm or the career path, rather than in the ability of the person to make something interesting and valuable out of the job.
It appears the creators were out to make a point that this wasn't just a programme about mephedrone and house parties, but a drama about characters and their ability (or lack thereof) to make something of their lives.
