ability to shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to shape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or skill to influence or mold something, such as ideas, opinions, or outcomes. Example: "Her ability to shape the team's vision was crucial for the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Others question the government's ability to shape the system.

The Economist

The country may well vindicate Biden's skepticism about America's ability to shape outcomes abroad.

The New York Times

The President's ambivalence about America's ability to shape events puts Power in a predicament.

The New Yorker

We have the ability to shape cultures, impact societies and excel against all institutional odds.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most striking was her ability to shape endlessly long lines: the breath control was stunning.

The Guardian

The difference is that prosecutors have the ability to shape results.

The New York Times

For in our hands lies the ability to shape our world for good or for ill.

The New York Times

It was probably inevitable, given his ability to shape his countrymen's desires.

The New Yorker

Equally important, it would undercut Washington's ability to shape a peace settlement.

The New York Times

Obama aides calculate that distance now will enhance the president's ability to shape a compromise later.

The New York Times

They are two different things, but either has the ability to shape the flow of information.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ability to shape", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being shaped. For example, specify if it's "ability to shape public opinion" or "ability to shape a project's outcome".

Common error

Avoid using "ability to shape" when the actual influence is limited. Instead, use phrases like "attempt to influence" or "contribute to" if the impact is not decisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to shape" functions as a noun phrase, where "ability" acts as the head noun modified by the infinitive phrase "to shape". As shown by Ludwig, it commonly expresses the capacity or power to influence outcomes. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to shape" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the capacity to influence or mold something. Grammatically sound and frequently found in diverse contexts such as news media, science, and business, it denotes agency and potential impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various domains. While alternatives like "capacity to influence" or "power to mold" exist, "ability to shape" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying the idea of having a formative influence. Remember to specify what exactly is being shaped for clarity and avoid overstating the actual level of influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to control

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing the potential to have a command on something.

capacity to influence

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing the potential to have an effect.

power to mold

Substitutes "ability" with "power" and "shape" with "mold", highlighting the strength to form something.

skill to influence

Replaces "ability" with "skill", emphasizing a learned proficiency in affecting outcomes.

potential to impact

Focuses on the inherent possibility of creating an effect, changing "shape" to "impact".

capacity to determine

Shifts the focus to the power to decide or control the outcome.

power to direct

Emphasizes the control to guide or manage a specific course of action.

power to govern

Highlights the legal right to manage and be in charge of something.

skill to manipulate

Highlights the dexterity in influencing or managing something, often with a subtle connotation.

potential to transform

Focuses on the inherent possibility of creating complete and major change in something.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to shape" to describe someone's capacity to influence or mold something, as in, "Her ability to shape the company's strategy was key to its success."

What are some alternatives to "ability to shape"?

Consider using alternatives like "capacity to influence", "power to mold", or "skill to influence" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "ability to shape" or "ability to influence"?

While both are valid, "ability to shape" implies a more direct and formative influence, whereas "ability to influence" suggests a more subtle or indirect effect. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

Can "ability to shape" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "ability to shape" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "capacity to determine" or "power to direct" for enhanced precision.