ability to overtake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to overtake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or potential to surpass or exceed another person or thing in a particular context, such as competition or performance. Example: "The athlete's ability to overtake his competitors in the final lap secured him the gold medal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It's refreshing to have a highly talented driver who has the ability to overtake and make the bold decisions he has in what is only his second season in Formula one," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

TD-fDOT has received increasing interest, due to its (often assumed) ability to overtake CW-fDOT.

Biomedical Optics Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At its best, the open source process has demonstrated an ability to catch and overtake closed code enhancements while exposing code to massive testing, leading to a great combination of customer value and reliability.

Open Source Software Implementation and Management

The exhibit focuses on nature's power and ability to rapidly overtake manmade structures, specifically architecture, if left to its own devices.

Huffington Post

For all the U.S. economy's current deficiencies, count Summers among those skeptical of China's ability to ultimately overtake the U.S. as the world's largest economy.

Huffington Post

It is a competitive sport, in which dogs are tested on their ability to run, overtake and turn a hare, rather than a form of hunting aiming at the capture of game.

Wikipedia

One of the biggest changes for this year will be the ability for lapped cars to overtake the safety car and reform at the tail of the field.

BBC

Indeed, his Potter-mania once threatened "to overtake my ability to function as a grown human being".

The New York Times - Books

That this kind of infatuation is akin to the first blush of romantic love didn't escape me — especially when that affection began to overtake my ability to function as a grown human being.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many commentators expect Ukip to overtake Labour by 22 May, with Farage's ability to portray the party as an insurgent movement that is taking on the three main parties a key factor in his success.

The Guardian

For once, I'd like my guy friends to know that their validity is not found in their physicality, or their ability to fight, to get the girl, or to remain stiff when their emotions want to overtake them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to overtake" in a competitive context, ensure the sentence clearly indicates what or whom is being overtaken to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to overtake" as a sole explanation for success. Acknowledge the role of effort, strategy, and external factors alongside inherent capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to overtake" functions as a noun phrase, where "ability" is the head noun and "to overtake" acts as an infinitive phrase modifying the noun. It describes the capacity or skill to surpass someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and usable form in writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to overtake" is a phrase used to describe the capacity to surpass or exceed, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While suitable for neutral and formal settings, ensure clarity by specifying what is being overtaken. Consider alternatives like "capacity to surpass" or "potential to exceed" for nuanced expressions. Be mindful of overemphasizing inherent talent without acknowledging other contributing factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to surpass

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the core meaning of exceeding.

potential to exceed

Substitutes "ability" with "potential" and "overtake" with "exceed", emphasizing the possibility of surpassing.

capability to outstrip

Replaces "ability" with "capability" and "overtake" with "outstrip", conveying a sense of surpassing by a significant margin.

aptitude for surpassing

Emphasizes a natural talent or inclination to exceed expectations or performance.

skill in exceeding

Highlights the developed proficiency in surpassing a specific target or limit.

power to overcome

Focuses on the strength or force required to surpass or defeat an obstacle or competitor.

talent for outdoing

Indicates a natural, innate gift for surpassing others in a competitive context.

facility in passing

Highlights the ease and smoothness with which one can surpass or move beyond something.

capacity for advancement

Focuses on the inherent ability to progress beyond current limitations or achievements.

room for improvement

Emphasizes areas where surpassing current performance levels is possible and desirable.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to overtake" to describe someone's capacity to surpass others, as in, "The driver's skill demonstrated his "ability to overtake" even in challenging conditions."

What are some alternatives to "ability to overtake"?

Alternatives include "capacity to surpass", "potential to exceed", or "capability to outstrip", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the ability of overtaking"?

While grammatically understandable, "the ability of overtaking" is less common and less direct than "ability to overtake". The latter is generally preferred for its conciseness and clarity.

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

"Ability to overtake" refers to the inherent capacity or skill to surpass, while "opportunity to overtake" refers to a situation that allows for surpassing. For example, a driver might have the "ability to overtake" but lack the "opportunity to overtake" due to track conditions.