ability to note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to observe or recognize something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The researcher demonstrated a remarkable ability to note subtle changes in the data over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

However, it surely suggests yet again the value of having a fourth official with the ability to note the severity of offences and immediately inform the referee.

Independent

It did not necessarily call on English comprehension knowledge of any kind, and was likely more related to either short-term memory or an ability to note what may be important information later on (all students could make notes throughout the listening passages if they chose to).

Language Testing in Asia

With expertise in design and lifestyle writing, she has a refined eye for style, the ability to note trends and changing fashions, and strives to make art and design accessible to all.

Huffington Post

The following four inter-related dimensions emerged (Table 5): Perceived body sensations or the ability to note changes in body processes, to identify inner sensations (e.g. a tight muscle, fatigue, warmth, pain) and to discern subtle bodily cues indicating varying functional states of the body or its organs and the emotional/physiological state.

Plosone

Facebook allows this comparison using tangible information, such as photos and stated behaviors, as well as the ability to note peer comments on this information.

Alcohol research : current reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mindfulness has the ability for us to note that craving coming up, be aware of it and perhaps not be owned by it.

Huffington Post

Ad networks add the ability for these companies to note where you are on other Web sites when they serve you an ad.

The New York Times

One addition to the guitar gameplay is the ability to play notes while holding a sustained note.

Wikipedia

"The very feature that makes laptop note-taking so appealing -- the ability to take notes more quickly -- was what undermined learning," educational psychologist Kenneth Kiewra told the Wall Street Journal.

Huffington Post

"Technique means the ability to play notes fast and accurately.

The Guardian

Hill was famous for his ability to turn note-taking into an art form.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's capacity to observe information, consider using more common alternatives like "skill in noticing" or "keen awareness of" for greater clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to note" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrasing like "can see" or "can tell" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to note" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or power to observe and recognize details. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates someone's capacity to observe or recognize something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to note" is a grammatically correct but relatively infrequent way to describe someone's capacity to observe and recognize details. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, but its rarity suggests considering more common alternatives such as "skill in noticing" or "capacity to observe" for greater clarity and impact. The phrase tends to appear in neutral or slightly formal contexts, primarily in news and media or scientific sources. Therefore, while acceptable, it's important to consider the audience and context when deciding whether to use "ability to note" or a more common alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to observe

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "note" with "observe", emphasizing the power to watch and perceive.

skill in noticing

Substitutes "ability" with "skill" and "note" with "noticing", highlighting expertise in observing details.

aptitude for recognizing

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude" and "note" with "recognizing", suggesting a natural talent for identifying something.

talent for discerning

Substitutes "ability" with "talent" and "note" with "discerning", emphasizing a sharp insight to distinguish or detect.

keen awareness of

Replaces "ability to note" with a phrase emphasizing a strong sense and attentiveness to something.

sharp observation skills

This alternative captures the meaning with a focus on developed skills.

attentiveness to detail

This emphasizes attention paid to small elements that might be missed.

facility in detecting

This alternative focuses on the ease and dexterity of identifying something.

power of perception

Replaces "ability to note" with a more general expression related to processing sensory information.

capacity for insight

Changes the focus to understanding and gaining a deeper comprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to note" to describe someone's capacity to observe or recognize something, as in, "The analyst's ability to note subtle market changes was crucial."

What can I say instead of "ability to note"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity to observe", "skill in noticing", or "aptitude for recognizing" depending on the context.

Is "ability to note" formal or informal?

"Ability to note" leans toward formal usage. Simpler alternatives like "can see" or "can tell" are often more appropriate in informal settings.

What is the difference between "ability to note" and ""capacity to observe""?

While both phrases are similar, ""capacity to observe"" might imply a more general or inherent potential, whereas "ability to note" focuses specifically on the act of taking notice.