ability to manage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to manage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's skills or competencies in overseeing tasks, projects, or people. Example: "Her ability to manage a diverse team effectively has contributed to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

as "the ability to manage risk".

The New Yorker

"But the ability to manage it is not unlimited".

The New York Times - Tech

He has the ability to manage political emotions and intentions.

The Guardian

He is optimistic about scientists' ability to manage microbial attacks.

The New York Times - Science

I also gained an ability to manage diversity.

The Economist

How? Size: it was out of my ability to manage.

The New York Times

His staff lacked the ability to manage a bipolar player.

The New York Times - Books

The ability to manage multiple relationships is critical here.

Harvard Business Review

Social skills involve two fundamental abilities: the ability to manage yourself and the ability to manage others (relationships).

Harvard Business Review

But others have noted how technology has outstripped our physical ability to manage our social lives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"What is of increasing importance is the ability to manage oneself and one's time," Thacker says.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific skill, follow "ability to manage" with a clear and direct object. For example, "ability to manage projects", "ability to manage risk", or "ability to manage time".

Common error

Avoid using "ability to manage" without specifying what is being managed. Vague statements like "He has the ability to manage" lack impact. Instead, provide context: "He has the ability to manage complex financial portfolios effectively".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to manage" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or competence to oversee, control, or direct something effectively. As Ludwig AI states, it's considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to manage" is a versatile and frequently used expression for describing competence in overseeing or controlling tasks, resources, or people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is crucial to specify what is being managed to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases such as "capability to handle" or "skill in controlling" can provide nuanced variations. While the phrase is common across various contexts, it is predominantly found in News & Media, Scientific and Formal & Business settings. Mastering the use of "ability to manage" enhances clarity and precision in professional and academic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capability to handle

Focuses on the inherent capacity to deal with something.

skill in controlling

Emphasizes expertise and control over a situation.

aptitude for overseeing

Highlights a natural talent for supervising tasks.

capacity for dealing with

Focuses on the potential to effectively address challenges.

proficiency in administering

Implies a high level of competence in managing processes.

talent for directing

Emphasizes a natural gift for guiding and leading.

knack for coordinating

Highlights a special skill for harmonizing efforts.

competence in supervising

Indicates a proven ability to oversee and guide.

power to regulate

Focuses on the authority and capacity to control.

resourcefulness in navigating

Highlights the ability to creatively overcome obstacles.

FAQs

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

Use "ability to manage" to describe someone's competence in handling specific tasks or situations. For instance, "Her "ability to manage" crises under pressure is remarkable".

What are some alternatives to "ability to manage"?

Alternatives include "capability to handle", "skill in controlling", or "aptitude for overseeing", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "ability to manage" or "management skills"?

Both are correct, but "ability to manage" emphasizes the capacity to perform, while "management skills" refers to the developed competencies. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What kind of words usually follow "ability to manage"?

Typically, concrete nouns follow "ability to manage", such as "ability to manage resources", "ability to manage people", or "ability to manage projects". The noun should directly relate to what is being managed.