ability to pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to pass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or skill to successfully complete a task or meet a requirement. Example: "The student's ability to pass the exam was evident in their consistent study habits and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Legislation

Finance

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Specifically, the ability to pass through solid matter.

The Guardian

The key was Bob's ability to pass so well".

The New York Times - Sports

The ability to pass through cost increases varied.

The New York Times

"Their ability to pass the basketball is so important.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Griffin, 47, has gleaned considerable mileage from her ability to pass judgment on showbiz bigwigs.

The New York Times - Arts

One of these is quantum tunneling, subatomic particles' apparent ability to pass through barriers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This mysterious radiation had the ability to pass through many materials that absorb visible light.

Harvard University

"Your ability to pass it on and riff on it shows that you understand.

The New Yorker

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have the ability to pass biological membranes and enter cells.

Nanostructures for the Engineering of Cells, Tissues and Organs From Design to Applications

That power would effectively hamper the government's ability to pass legislation, regardless of their popularity.

The New York Times

He didn't have much confidence in my ability to pass a written one.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's aptitude for a specific task, follow "ability to pass" with a noun that clearly defines the test or barrier. For example, "ability to pass the bar exam" is more descriptive than "ability to pass."

Common error

Avoid using "ability to pass" without specifying what needs to be passed. Ambiguous phrasing can dilute the meaning and leave the reader wondering about the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to pass" functions as a noun phrase describing the capacity or skill required to successfully complete a task, overcome an obstacle, or transfer something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to pass" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone's capacity or skill to succeed in a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used and generally correct. While it's prevalent across various fields like news, science, and sports, it’s crucial to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "capacity to transfer" or "skill in conveying" can offer more nuanced meanings. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by clarifying what exactly needs to be passed. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "ability to pass" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to transfer

Focuses on the inherent potential or power to move something from one place or state to another, rather than the action of successfully passing.

capability to transmit

Emphasizes the potential for conveying information or energy, differing slightly from the broader application of "ability to pass".

potential to proceed

Highlights the possibility of moving forward or continuing, which is contextually related to passing a certain point or obstacle.

skill in conveying

Specifically relates to the adeptness at communicating or expressing something, a subset of the general "ability to pass".

power to enact

Refers to the authority or capability to put something into effect, often in a legislative or formal context.

competence in succeeding

Stresses the proficiency and capability of achieving a positive outcome, subtly different from simply passing.

facility in overcoming

Emphasizes the ease and skill in dealing with obstacles or challenges, which is related to the idea of passing through them.

talent for clearing

Focuses on the natural aptitude for removing obstacles or impediments, related to the concept of "ability to pass".

capacity for progression

Highlights the potential for advancement or development, implying the "ability to pass" to a higher level or state.

chance to advance

Highlights the opportunity available and possibility of moving forward or progressing.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to pass" to describe someone's capacity to successfully complete a test, overcome an obstacle, or transfer something. For example: "The company's "ability to pass" on rising costs to its customers is crucial for maintaining profitability."

What are some alternatives to "ability to pass"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "capacity to transfer", "skill in conveying", or "power to enact".

Is it correct to say "abilities to pass"?

While grammatically acceptable, "abilities to pass" is less common than "ability to pass". It implies a range of different capacities to pass various things or tests, whereas "ability" refers to a general aptitude.

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

"Ability to pass" refers to the inherent capability or skill to succeed. "Opportunity to pass", on the other hand, indicates that a chance or occasion is available, but it doesn't necessarily imply that the individual has the skill to take advantage of it.