ability to rebuild

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to rebuild" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's or something's capacity to restore or reconstruct after damage or loss. Example: "After the disaster, the community demonstrated its ability to rebuild and recover stronger than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

He also admitted that the downgrade will hurt Ireland's ability to rebuild its economy.

The Guardian - Business

"It will be directly related to our ability to rebuild factories, mills, and other economic enterprises".

The New York Times

We have the ability to rebuild some of the private spaces we have lost.

The New York Times - Magazine

My party's failure to acknowledge that mistake compromised our ability to rebuild trust in 2010 and in 2015.

Independent

Much has been made of Michael Clarke's ability to rebuild on the hoof after Australia's own losing Ashes tour.

The Guardian - Sport

Strengths The team looks confident in its ability to rebuild itself, and its results have proven this.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

People's abilities to rebuild, recover, and adapt following a disaster are determined by their physical, psychological, and social characteristics, as well as the characteristics of, and support they receive from, their families and the communities in which they live (Ochi et al. 2014).

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

SCORECARD -- For more than a week now Mr. Green has tried to raise doubts about Mr. Ferrer's ability to help rebuild New York's economy and to keep it safe and secure in the aftermath of the World Trade Center disaster.

The New York Times

Animal studies have also shown that ibuprofen hampers the ability of muscles to rebuild themselves after exercise.

The New York Times

And those who suffered from higher levels of violence before leaving their homes placed the most importance on the ability to work to rebuild their lives.

The Washington Post

Not only will this program speed up the ability of linguists to rebuild the world's proto-languages on a large scale, boosting our understanding of ancient civilizations based on their vocabularies, but it can also provide clues to how languages might change years from now.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like economies or social systems, using "ability to rebuild" can convey resilience and potential for growth after challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to rebuild" multiple times in the same paragraph. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "capacity for restoration" or "potential for recovery" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to rebuild" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the inherent or developed capacity to restore or reconstruct something after damage or destruction, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to rebuild" is a versatile noun phrase denoting the capacity for restoration and recovery. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and very common across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While the phrase is generally suitable, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "capacity for reconstruction" or "potential for restoration". Use "ability to rebuild" when you want to highlight the power to overcome setbacks and renew or reconstruct after damage or loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for reconstruction

Emphasizes the inherent potential for building again after destruction.

potential for restoration

Focuses on the possibility of returning something to a former condition.

capability to regenerate

Highlights the power to renew or regrow what has been lost.

skill in recovery

Stresses the proficiency in overcoming setbacks and regaining stability.

power to reconstruct

Emphasizes the strength and authority to rebuild.

resources for redevelopment

Highlights the availability of assets for improving or expanding.

means of rehabilitation

Focuses on the methods and tools used for restoring to a good condition.

talent for renewal

Emphasizes the natural aptitude for making something new or fresh again.

expertise in revitalization

Highlights the specialized knowledge in bringing something back to life or activity.

prospects for refurbishment

Focuses on the chances or possibilities for renovating and improving.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to rebuild" to describe the capacity of a person, organization, or system to recover from damage or loss. For example, "The community demonstrated its "ability to rebuild" after the devastating hurricane.".

What's a more formal alternative to "ability to rebuild"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "capacity for reconstruction" or "potential for restoration" as alternatives to "ability to rebuild".

Is there a difference between "ability to rebuild" and "potential to rebuild"?

"Ability to rebuild" implies an existing skill or resource, while "potential to rebuild" suggests a latent capacity that can be developed. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize current capabilities or future possibilities.

What words are similar to "ability" in the phrase "ability to rebuild"?

Synonyms for "ability" in the context of "ability to rebuild" include "capacity", "capability", "potential", and "power", each subtly altering the emphasis.