ability to repurpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to repurpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capacity to adapt or reuse something for a different purpose or function. Example: "Her ability to repurpose old materials into beautiful art pieces is truly impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

His budget was $25,000 and he kept to it, with an eye for sales and a fearless ability to repurpose furnishings.

The New York Times

They get involved in shady deals because the logic of perpetual growth pushes them beyond propriety, and because they enjoy the superiority that accompanies secrecy: "More than the money, which had to be spent with some care, it was about exercising that ability to repurpose information those around him were too timid or shortsighted to know what to do with," Adam thinks.

The New Yorker

The ability to repurpose and continually enhance open-source code vastly reduces total cost of ownership.

Forbes

The OU notes that its scalable XML workflow can automatically render a single input file to multiple formats (print, web and ebook) — giving it the ability to repurpose existing study materials for new delivery mechanisms such as mobile.

TechCrunch

The pair, though, selected a few covers that emphasized their ability to repurpose the past.

Los Angeles Times

It also provides an example of nature's ability to repurpose already perfected molecular units in many different ways.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The reconfigurable digital signal processing (DSP) assisted optical receiver is an alternative technology to the expensive and complex hardware receivers, based on its ability to be repurposed to adapt to different modulation formats.

Optik

KTZ's location in a full-on, fluorescently lit office building is either an example of Berlin creatives' ability to reuse and repurpose spaces, or the most post-internet "office aesthetic" joke ever.

Vice

"We needed to repurpose the space".

The New York Times

I was always trying to repurpose things.

The New York Times

"We wanted to repurpose it in different environments," Ms. Coburn said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing innovation or creative problem-solving, use "ability to repurpose" to highlight the resourceful use of existing resources.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to repurpose" when a more specific verb like "redesign", "remodel", or "transform" would provide greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to repurpose" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes the capacity or competence to adapt something for a new or different use. Ludwig AI identifies it as a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to repurpose" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing the skill of adapting existing resources for new applications. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase enjoys consistent usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. While alternatives like "capacity for adaptation" or "skill in reusing" exist, "ability to repurpose" effectively conveys resourcefulness and innovation. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for more specific verbs when greater clarity is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for adaptation

Focuses on the general capability to adapt rather than specifically repurposing.

skill in reusing

Emphasizes the skill aspect of using something again, rather than altering its purpose.

talent for converting

Highlights the talent involved in transforming something into a different form or use.

knack for readapting

Suggests a natural aptitude for adapting something again.

potential for transformation

Shifts the focus to the inherent potential for change rather than the ability to enact it.

power of converting

Emphasizes the power to transform something, rather than the ability.

aptitude for modifying

Focuses on the inherent capability to change or alter.

resourcefulness in recycling

Highlights the cleverness and efficiency in reusing materials.

facility with alteration

Suggests an ease and proficiency in making changes.

competence in retooling

Focuses on the expertise in modifying tools or processes.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to repurpose" to describe someone's skill in finding new uses for existing items or ideas. For example: "Her ability to repurpose old furniture is remarkable".

What is another way to say "ability to repurpose"?

Alternatives include "capacity for adaptation", "skill in reusing", or "talent for converting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ability to repurpose" or "ability for repurposing"?

"Ability to repurpose" is generally preferred over "ability for repurposing" as it is more concise and grammatically standard. The former emphasizes the direct action, while the latter can sound slightly awkward.

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

"Ability to repurpose" refers to the skill or capability to find new uses for something, while "opportunity to repurpose" refers to a situation or chance where repurposing is possible or advantageous.