ability to perform a behavior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to perform a behavior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing skills, capabilities, or competencies related to specific actions or tasks. Example: "The training program aims to enhance the participants' ability to perform a behavior that is essential for their job."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Self-efficacy, defined as the confidence one has in the ability to perform a behavior or specific task, has been introduced as a crucial motivational factor for successfully carrying out social and everyday living skills (Bandura, 1977 , 1997.

Schizophrenia Research

Self-efficacy has been linked to the perceived behavior control, as both concepts refer to the individual's perceived ability to perform a behavior.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

Automaticity is the ability to perform a behavior without thinking about each step, which allows the pattern to become automatic and habitual.

Huffington Post

Elements that can modulate the non-linearity of this process include family efficacy, or a family's judgment regarding one's ability to perform a behavior (in this case, engagement in treatment) as required to achieve a certain outcome (cure).

BMC Public Health

Attitude refers to a personal factor of like or dislike, subjective norms refers to an individual's perception of social pressure, and perceived behavioral control refers to a person's perceived confidence in the ability to perform a behavior [ 20].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Following Maes (1991) and Hassenstein (1983), both inspired by K. Lorenz, the ability to perform a behavior depends on a cooperative influence of the relevant sensory stimuli and the strength of its motivation.

Biological Cybernetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Self-efficacy is the belief in one's general capabilities to exercise control over his/her behavior [ 36], while perceived behavioral control focuses on one's abilities to perform a behavior in light of various barriers [ 37].

BMC Public Health

Also important are confidence in one's ability to perform a given behavior (self-efficacy) and expectation of favorable outcomes of the behavior (outcome expectations).

BMC Family Practice

Perceived behavioral control is the perceived ability to perform a health behavior.

BMC Public Health

Perceived behavioral control refers to people's perceptions of their ability to perform a given behavior (Ajzen 2005).

Human Ecology

Perceived behavioral control is one's confidence in one's ability to perform a specific behavior and is determined by control beliefs that are based on perceptions of opportunities as well as perceived barriers and required resources [ 38].

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing self-efficacy or perceived behavioral control, use "ability to perform a behavior" to emphasize confidence in one's capabilities.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "ability to perform a behavior" in contexts where simpler terms like "can do" or "able to" are more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to perform a behavior" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or as part of a definition. It describes one's capacity or skill to carry out a specific action, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to perform a behavior" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, commonly found in scientific and formal contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to describe someone's capacity or skill in executing a specific action, often related to discussions of self-efficacy or behavioral control. While not incorrect, consider using simpler alternatives in informal settings to avoid unnecessary complexity. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific publications, with some presence in news and media, indicating its suitability for formal and technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capability to execute a behavior

Focuses on the inherent power or potential to carry out the action.

capacity to perform an action

Highlights the inherent ability or maximum amount that can be done.

skill to enact a behavior

Emphasizes learned proficiency and expertise in performing the behavior.

competence in executing a task

Stresses the required skills and knowledge to effectively complete a task.

proficiency in carrying out a behavior

Highlights expertise and efficiency in performing the behavior.

aptitude for undertaking a behavior

Focuses on a natural talent or inclination towards performing the behavior.

facility in performing a task

Emphasizes ease and smoothness in carrying out the task.

potential to exhibit a behavior

Highlights the possibility or likelihood of displaying the behavior.

effectiveness in performing a behavior

Focuses on how well the behavior is executed.

power to engage in a behavior

Highlights the authority or control one has over engaging in the behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to perform a behavior" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to perform a behavior" when discussing someone's confidence or skill in completing specific actions. For example, "Self-efficacy is defined as the confidence one has in the "ability to perform a behavior" or specific task".

What are some alternatives to "ability to perform a behavior"?

Alternatives include "capability to execute a behavior", "capacity to perform an action", or "skill to enact a behavior" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "ability to perform a behavior" and "intention to perform a behavior"?

"Ability to perform a behavior" refers to having the necessary skills or resources, while "intention to perform a behavior" indicates a plan or willingness to act. Someone may have the "ability to perform a behavior" but lack the intention, or vice versa.

Is "ability to perform a behavior" formal or informal language?

"Ability to perform a behavior" leans towards formal language, suitable for academic or professional contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "being able to do something" might be more appropriate.