ability to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to see" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to perceive or understand something visually or metaphorically. Example: "Her ability to see the potential in others made her an excellent mentor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among them: his ability to see.

The New York Times

Strengthen your ability to see.

Harvard Business Review

He had the ability to see well.

The Guardian

This is the ability to see.

The Guardian - Arts

It's simply the ability to see small and think big.

The New Yorker

Michels had the ability to see and think differently.

The Guardian - Arts

But our ability to see extends well beyond the horizon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He added, "Hillary has an uncommon ability to see herself.

The New Yorker

Most improved in their ability to see direction of motion.

The New York Times - Science

Insight is that ability to see what is not obvious.

Harvard Business Review

The ability to see things is key—or, more specifically, the ability to see things you don't expect to see.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's "ability to see" a situation clearly, consider specifying what kind of insight they possess, such as foresight, understanding, or perception, to add depth and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the general phrase "ability to see" when more specific terms like 'discernment', 'foresight', or 'perception' could provide a clearer and more nuanced description of the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to see" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or power to perceive or understand something, whether visually or conceptually. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to see" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that describes the capacity to perceive, understand, or anticipate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and versatile, fitting into numerous contexts, especially in News & Media. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's often beneficial to specify the kind of insight—foresight, understanding, or perception—to provide greater clarity and impact. Remember to avoid overuse and consider more precise synonyms when applicable. With an expert rating of 4.6, this phrase is considered reliable and authoritative, according to Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for vision

Focuses on the potential or inherent capability to perceive visually or understand conceptually.

power of perception

Emphasizes the strength and effectiveness of one's ability to notice and interpret sensory information.

skill in observation

Highlights the developed expertise in noticing and understanding details.

talent for foresight

Implies a natural aptitude for predicting future events or outcomes.

aptitude for discernment

Stresses the inherent capability to distinguish subtle differences and make sound judgments.

knack for understanding

Suggests an intuitive ease in comprehending complex matters.

potential for insight

Highlights the undeveloped possibility of gaining deep understanding.

faculty of awareness

Focuses on the inherent mental capacity to be conscious of one's surroundings and internal states.

gift of intuition

Emphasizes the natural, unlearned ability to understand something instinctively.

capacity for comprehension

Highlights the potential to grasp and understand information.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to see" to describe someone's capacity to perceive visually or understand something conceptually. For example: "Her ability to see the potential in others made her an excellent mentor."

What can I say instead of "ability to see"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity for vision", "power of perception", or "skill in observation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ability to see" or "ability of seeing"?

"Ability to see" is the correct and more commonly used form. "Ability of seeing" is less frequent and can sound awkward in most contexts.

What's the difference between "ability to see" and "foresight"?

"Ability to see" generally refers to the capacity to understand or perceive, while "foresight" specifically denotes the ability to predict or anticipate future events or outcomes.