ability to modify

USAGE SUMMARY

"ability to modify" is a correct and usable phrasing in written English.
For example, "The project manager had the ability to modify the project scope to improve its efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Plastic" genotypes have the ability to modify leaf orientation.

Field Crops Research

Learning and memory demonstrate the brain's ability to modify connections in response to input.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's remarkable ability to modify its own structure and function.

Stanford University

Same with the language about the company's ability to modify the manual at any time.

The New York Times

But she believes her credibility derives from her ability to modify her leadership style based on cultural expectations.

Harvard Business Review

Growing families need the ability to modify, move, or add to their homes as time goes on.

Harvard Business Review

In addition to the ability to modify the materials surface, novel structures can be fabricated.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Their ability to modify ocular radiation damage has not yet been examined.

Life Sciences in Space Research

Likewise, progestational agents may have the ability to modify this effect.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Our understanding and ability to modify these mechanisms through alterations in implant design is continuously expanding.

Acta Biomaterialia

Our ability to modify the Drosophila genome has recently been revolutionized by the development of the CRISPR system.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ability to modify", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being modified and the purpose of the modification. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to modify" without specifying what is being modified. For example, instead of saying "The system has the ability to modify", specify "The system has the ability to modify user preferences based on their browsing history."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to modify" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or power to make changes to something. As shown by Ludwig AI's examples, this phrase is commonly used to describe features of systems, organisms, or processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to modify" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that describes the capacity to make changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts. Its prevalence in science, news media, and academia underscores its utility in formal and technical communication. When using this phrase, clarity is key, so specify what is being modified to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "capability to alter" or "capacity to adjust" to fine-tune the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capability to alter

Replaces "modify" with "alter", emphasizing a change in form or character.

capacity to adjust

Substitutes "modify" with "adjust", highlighting a fine-tuning or adaptation.

power to transform

Uses "transform" instead of "modify", suggesting a more significant or radical change.

potential to adapt

Emphasizes the possibility of changing to suit different conditions or purposes.

skill to revise

Focuses on the expertise needed to improve or correct something.

opportunity to reshape

Highlights the chance to mold or reform something into a different shape.

facility to customize

Emphasizes the ease of tailoring something to specific needs or preferences.

flexibility to tweak

Highlights the ability to make small, incremental changes.

room to refine

Suggests that further improvements or corrections are possible.

authority to regulate

Implies having the official power to control or adjust something.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to modify" to describe the capacity to change something, such as "The software provides users with the "ability to modify" their profile settings".

What are some alternatives to "ability to modify"?

Alternatives include "capability to alter", "capacity to adjust", or "power to transform", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ability to modify" or "capability of modifying"?

"Ability to modify" is generally preferred for its conciseness and directness. "Capability of modifying" is grammatically correct but can sound more verbose. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "ability to modify" and "opportunity to modify"?

"Ability to modify" refers to the inherent capacity or skill to make changes, while "opportunity to modify" refers to the chance or occasion to do so. For example, a tool might grant the ability while a specific project offers the opportunity.