ability to provide

USAGE SUMMARY

"ability to provide" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to someone's capability or skill to provide or offer something. Example: The job description requires strong communication skills and the ability to provide excellent customer service.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cuts are also impacting on our ability to provide long term support.

The Guardian

"The strength of mobile is its ability to provide context," says Lieberman.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Our ability to provide justice in a timely and responsible fashion is being jeopardized".

The New York Times

As for Mr. Geithner's ability to provide global leadership, Mr. Zoellick was hopeful but guarded.

The New York Times

The ability to provide this sort of service stalled after Sept. 11.

The New York Times

Human rights groups said the case raised doubts about Egypt's ability to provide a fair trial.

The New York Times

"Corinth was a wide-open town, known for its ability to provide all sorts of entertainment.

The New York Times

Was our friendship to proceed or fall on my ability to provide?

The New York Times

So they do have that ability to provide for the reader some kind of solace.

The Guardian - Books

Indeed, the airport is so busy that its ability to provide necessary services is strained.

The New York Times

It has since capitalised on its ability to provide cast-iron, government backed guarantees.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to provide", clearly specify what is being provided to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the company's ability to provide", say "the company's ability to provide excellent customer service".

Common error

Avoid overstating the "ability to provide" without concrete evidence or a clear plan. Ensure claims are supported by demonstrable skills, resources, or past performance to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to provide" functions as a noun phrase that describes the capacity or competence to supply something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it used across diverse contexts, specifying different types of provision, from services to resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to provide" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the capacity to supply something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence in various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal communications. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify what exactly is being provided, and overstating this ability without solid evidence should be avoided. Alternative phrases like "capacity to deliver" or "capability to supply" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to deliver

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "provide" with "deliver", focusing on the act of delivering something.

capability to supply

Substitutes "ability" with "capability" and "provide" with "supply", emphasizing the potential to furnish something needed.

potential to offer

Changes "ability" to "potential" and "provide" to "offer", highlighting the possibility of giving or presenting something.

skill at providing

Replaces "ability" with "skill at", emphasizing expertise in the act of providing.

competence to furnish

Uses "competence" instead of "ability" and "furnish" instead of "provide", stressing the adequacy to equip or supply.

power to render

Replaces "ability" with "power" and "provide" with "render", suggesting the authority or capacity to give or present something.

resources to contribute

Changes "ability" to "resources" and "provide" to "contribute", focusing on the available means to add or give.

means to extend

Substitutes "ability" with "means" and "provide" with "extend", highlighting the resources to offer or make available.

facility for giving

Uses "facility" instead of "ability" and "giving" instead of "provide", emphasizing ease and readiness in offering something.

aptitude for delivering

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude" and "provide" with "delivering", focusing on natural talent for supplying.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to provide" to describe someone's capacity to offer something. For example: "The company values candidates with the "ability to provide" innovative solutions to complex problems."

What are some alternatives to "ability to provide"?

Some alternatives to "ability to provide" include "capacity to deliver", "capability to supply", or "potential to offer", depending on the context.

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

"Ability to provide" refers to the inherent skill or resources someone possesses, while "opportunity to provide" refers to a situation that allows someone to offer something. One describes capacity, the other describes circumstance.

Is it better to use "ability to provide" or a more specific phrase?

Specificity enhances clarity. While "ability to provide" is correct, a more detailed phrase like "ability to provide technical support" or "ability to provide financial assistance" offers greater precision.