ability to manipulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to manipulate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's skill or capacity to influence or control something or someone. Example: "Her ability to manipulate complex data sets makes her an invaluable asset to the research team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ability to manipulate what would be on the news.

The New York Times

Jones is scarily proud of her ability to manipulate.

The Guardian - Books

Her ability to manipulate the touch screen is astonishing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Advances chiefly rest on the ability to manipulate biological systems.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

A former choirboy, Kony's horrific genius was the ability to manipulate people's spirituality.

The Guardian

The ability to manipulate the search engine's results has been demonstrated in the past.

The New York Times

In their eyes they had lost their power – their ability to manipulate the press.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shortly afterwards, Joyce discovers he has the ability to manipulate time in his immediate vicinity.

The Guardian - Tech

The archbishop likes politics, and takes pleasure and some pride in his ability to manipulate committees.

The Guardian - Opinion

We all thought they were superhuman, equipped with invincible power, wealth and the ability to manipulate".

The New York Times

The second you don't know more than people, they have the ability to manipulate you.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to manipulate", consider the ethical implications of the action. Manipulation can have negative connotations, so ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

While "ability to manipulate" is generally acceptable, it can sound overly forceful in some formal contexts. Opt for softer alternatives like "skill in influencing" or "capacity to guide" when a less direct approach is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to manipulate" functions as a noun phrase that describes the capacity or skill to influence, control, or handle something effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating its adherence to grammatical standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to manipulate" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the capacity to influence or control something effectively. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. While the term "manipulate" can sometimes carry negative connotations, the neutrality depends largely on context; it can refer to skillful handling in technical or analytical settings. Usage analysis reveals that it's most frequent in news media, scientific publications, and academic discussions, with slightly less prevalence in encyclopedias and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the ethical considerations and opt for softer alternatives like "skill in influencing" where a less direct tone is preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to influence

Focuses on the power to have an effect on someone or something without necessarily implying control.

skill in controlling

Highlights the expertise or proficiency in managing or directing something.

talent for maneuvering

Emphasizes the clever or skillful way of dealing with a situation.

adeptness at shaping

Focuses on the skill in forming or influencing something into a particular form.

power to sway

Emphasizes the ability to persuade or influence opinions or actions.

knack for directing

Emphasizes a natural skill or talent for controlling and managing something.

expertise in guiding

Highlights the specialized knowledge and skill in directing a process or activity.

art of persuasion

Focuses on the skillful use of communication to convince someone of something.

resourcefulness in leveraging

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to use available resources to achieve a desired outcome.

potential for exploitation

Highlights the possibility of using something unfairly for one's own advantage, a negative aspect of manipulation.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to manipulate" to describe someone's skill in influencing or controlling something, such as "Her ability to manipulate data is essential for our analysis".

What are some alternatives to "ability to manipulate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "capacity to influence", "skill in controlling", or "power to sway".

Is "ability to manipulate" always negative?

While "manipulate" can have negative connotations, "ability to manipulate" is neutral and depends on the context. For example, it can describe the skillful handling of complex systems or information without implying deceit.

What's the difference between "ability to manipulate" and "ability to influence"?

"Ability to manipulate" implies a more direct control, whereas "ability to influence" suggests a more subtle or persuasive approach. The choice depends on the intended nuance.