ability to resist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to resist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to withstand or endure challenges, temptations, or pressures. Example: "Her ability to resist the temptation of junk food during her diet was impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ability to resist a tying force is called tying resistance.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

Eventually, the police said, the girl's ability to resist dissolved.

The New York Times

He was skeptical of Ms. Lohan's ability to resist temptation.

The New York Times

These results are due to the gallium's viscosity, or ability to resist motion, and bulk modulus, the ability to resist compression in the face of increasing pressure.

Harvard University

As a result, the bone's ability to resist fracture becomes increasingly compromised.

University of California, Berkeley

Under stress, metastable phases can transform to stable configurations, which improves their ability to resist fracture.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A weakened population has no ability to resist the diseases, including anthrax, now springing up.

The Independent

If the environment is too disinfected, we lose the ability to resist infection.

The Guardian - Books

Power's ability to resist change: this is the story of our times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Air power played a major, perhaps decisive role in blunting Iraq's ability to resist.

The New York Times

They are deliberately exposed to it, their ability to resist temptation a sign of their faith.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "ability to resist", specify what is being resisted to provide clarity and context. For example, "ability to resist temptation" or "ability to resist infection".

Common error

Avoid using "ability to resist" without specifying the context. Simply stating someone has the "ability to resist" can be vague. Provide detail on what they are resisting to enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to resist" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the capacity or power to withstand or oppose something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to resist" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the capacity to withstand various pressures or influences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for general use.

It is frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. To enhance clarity, it is best practice to specify what is being resisted. While the phrase is common, avoid overgeneralization by providing specific details.

Alternatives like "capacity to withstand" and "power to endure" offer similar meanings, enabling writers to tailor their language to the specific nuance they intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to withstand

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", focusing on the general capability to endure something.

power to endure

Uses "power" to emphasize strength and "endure" to highlight the act of withstanding something difficult.

strength to overcome

Focuses on the strength required to successfully defeat a challenge.

resilience to bounce back

Emphasizes the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks.

potential to repel

Highlights the capacity to ward off or deflect something undesirable.

immunity to succumb

Focuses on being protected or exempt from giving in to something.

fortitude to persevere

Stresses the mental and emotional strength needed to continue despite adversity.

tenacity to hold out

Highlights the determination and persistence in resisting something.

skill at defying

Uses "skill" to indicate a learned ability and "defying" to suggest active opposition.

aptitude for withstanding

Indicates a natural talent or inclination for enduring something difficult.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to resist" to describe someone's capacity to withstand a force or influence. For example, "The body's ability to resist infection is crucial for survival."

What are some alternatives to "ability to resist"?

Alternatives include "capacity to withstand", "power to endure", or "strength to overcome", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "ability to resist" or "capacity to resist"?

"Ability to resist" and "capacity to resist" are largely interchangeable. "Ability" often refers to a learned or developed skill, while "capacity" can refer to an inherent or potential capability. Choose the one that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

How does "ability to resist" differ from "willingness to resist"?

"Ability to resist" refers to the capability or power to withstand something, while "willingness to resist" refers to the readiness or inclination to oppose something. One is about capability, the other is about intention.