ability to proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to proceed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or capability to continue with a task or process. Example: "Before we can move forward with the project, we need to assess the team's ability to proceed under the current circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The request will hamper Oracle's ability to proceed quickly on its takeover bid.

The New York Times

These opinion letters impacted the board's decision-making process regarding a manual recount and further impeded the board's ability to proceed more expeditiously.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the ability to proceed with the reconstruction of Iraq will depend on the ability of the Americans and the British to put an end to conventional threats and to contain and defuse unconventional forces.

The New York Times

He was master and commander, and his increased support – up from 60% in his first term – had handed him the ability to proceed with major changes if he so wished.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lawyers for the woman, whose name has not been officially released and who filed the suit as Jane Doe, have complained in recent days that her ability to proceed in the criminal case has been compromised.

The New York Times

Does fake news like this get in the way of the President's ability to proceed on policy?" Hoft cackled loudly enough to startle a woman at a nearby table.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In resigning last week as chairman of the Lincoln Center redevelopment effort, the construction executive Peter M. Lehrer said in a letter: "How this project has been managed, along with its lack of openness and divisive management style, has undermined the ability for it to proceed in a timely, responsible and cost-efficient manner.

The New York Times - Arts

The debate has not ended, and will not end, but what those of us committed to the promise of stem cell science know is that the ability of science to proceed unencumbered by politics was severely compromised.

Huffington Post

The ability for necroptosis to proceed in RBCs differs depends on the size and nature of membrane pores.

Cell Death and Disease

Specific design features that students found helpful were its interactivity, opportunities for practice, immediate self-assessment feedback, and the ability of students to proceed at their own pace.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Specific attributes that students felt contributed to the development of their quantitative skills included interactivity, use of humor and informal language, opportunities for practice, immediate self-assessment feedback, and the ability of students to proceed at their own pace.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to proceed", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or process is being continued. Be specific for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to proceed" when a simpler term like "can proceed" or "may proceed" suffices. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to proceed" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or capability to continue with an action or process. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to proceed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that expresses the capacity or right to continue with something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various writing styles. While it can be used in diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing, it's crucial to be specific about what action or process the "ability to proceed" refers to. Alternatives such as "capacity to continue" or "capability to move forward" offer similar meanings, but the best choice depends on the nuances you wish to convey. Avoid redundancy by using simpler phrases when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to continue

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing capability.

capability to move forward

Substitutes "proceed" with "move forward", adding a sense of progression.

power to advance

Uses "power" instead of "ability", suggesting authority or control.

right to continue

Replaces "ability" with "right", indicating permission or entitlement.

option to go ahead

Emphasizes choice or opportunity to continue.

scope to progress

Scope emphasizes the extent or range of possibility.

freedom to proceed

Freedom implies lack of external restrictions.

wherewithal to continue

Wherewithal indicates having the necessary means or resources.

authorization to advance

Authorization suggests official approval or sanction.

qualified to continue

Qualified emphasizes meeting specific requirements or standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to proceed" to indicate someone's capacity or right to continue with a task or process. For instance, "The investigation's outcome will determine their "ability to proceed" with the project".

What phrases are similar to "ability to proceed"?

Alternatives include "capacity to continue", "capability to move forward", or "power to advance". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "ability to proceed with" or "ability to proceed"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "ability to proceed with" is more common when you want to specify the action or process. For example, "ability to proceed with the surgery" is more specific than just "ability to proceed".

What determines the "ability to proceed" in a project?

Factors determining the "ability to proceed" can include funding, resources, approvals, or the resolution of obstacles. All conditions must be met before moving forward.