ability to receive

USAGE SUMMARY

'ability to receive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person's skill or aptitude in receiving something, such as advice, knowledge, etc. For example, "He has a strong ability to receive new information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They've also tweaked the bumpers, added the ability to receive firmware updates wirelessly, and released a wireless receiver for PCs.

Forbes

IS there really pent-up demand for the ability to receive live television signals in automobiles?

The New York Times

The ability to receive a quick response to a query benefits the patients too, he says.

The Guardian

Most suits claim systemic deficiencies on campus have harmed female students' ability to receive an education.

The Guardian

Governor Walker claimed his proposal wasn't meant to hinder the ability to receive critical government assistance.

The Guardian - Opinion

They may gain tax exemptions and have the ability to receive tax deductible donations.

The Guardian

Sanyo's R227 model includes the ability to receive Internet stations, and FM ones as well.

The New York Times - Tech

"You're paying for the ability to receive water, whether you use it or not," he said.

The New York Times

But, in my experience, it's their ability to receive messages that distinguishes the best leaders from the rest.

Harvard Business Review

Powerful feelings like fear, anger, sadness, and insecurity do their best to block our ability to receive a pass.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And they need the tools to help facilitate their ability to receive this care.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ability to receive" to describe not just physical reception, but also intellectual or emotional openness.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to receive" solely for physical objects. It's equally valid for abstract concepts like advice or criticism; otherwise consider "acceptance" or "acquisition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to receive" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows it describing a capacity, skill, or potential, aligning with the idea of inherent or developed competence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

28%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to receive" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase, denoting the capacity or skill to accept, understand, or process something. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds application across various domains, particularly in news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "capacity to receive" and "aptitude for receiving" exist, "ability to receive" maintains a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts. Understanding its scope, as well as specifying what is being received, are key to ensuring clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to receive

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing the potential or maximum amount that can be received.

capability to receive

Substitutes "ability" with "capability", highlighting the inherent power or skill to receive.

potential to receive

Focuses on the unrealized possibility of receiving.

aptitude for receiving

Emphasizes a natural talent or inclination towards receiving.

skill in receiving

Highlights the learned proficiency in receiving.

facility for receiving

Suggests ease and smoothness in the act of receiving.

power to receive

Emphasizes the authority or right to receive.

access to receiving

Focuses on the opportunity or means to receive.

chance to receive

Highlights the opportunity to receive something

scope to receive

Focuses on the extent or range within which receiving is possible.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to receive" to describe someone's capacity to understand or accept something. For example, "Her success is due to her ability to receive feedback constructively".

What are some alternatives to "ability to receive"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "capacity to receive", "aptitude for receiving", or "potential to receive".

Is it correct to say "abilities to receive"?

While grammatically correct, "abilities to receive" is less common than "ability to receive". Use the plural form when referring to multiple distinct abilities.

What's the difference between "ability to receive" and "willingness to receive"?

"Ability to receive" refers to the capacity or skill to process or accept something, while "willingness to receive" refers to the readiness or eagerness to accept it. One focuses on competence, the other on attitude.