ability to sing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to sing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's talent or skill in singing, often in contexts related to music, performance, or personal capabilities. Example: "Her ability to sing beautifully has earned her a spot in the choir."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The chart also listed ability to sing.

The New York Times

Ability to sing and/or read music is not required; this is not a voice class.

Stanford University

(a) A group of House Republicans' ability to sing three verses of "Amazing Grace" from memory.

The New Yorker

Linda Ronstadt says she suffers from Parkinson's disease, which has robbed her ability to sing.

Independent

"It's our ability to sing that inspired and drove the emotions," Jordaan said.

The New York Times - Sports

Is the starling unique in its ability to sing other songs?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The ability to sing tends to surge with the urge to nest.

The Guardian

Ms. Twain also, because of either psychological or physical ailment, more or less lost her ability to sing.

The New York Times - Arts

Today, a child's ability to sing enables the training of brain and memory, helping the development of spacial awareness.

Independent

(Dessay's ability to sing while in motion, or running, or lying on the floor, is impressive, if not exactly singular.

The New Yorker

They have, in other words, the ability to sing the praises of Mexican, Thai, Sichuan or whatever cuisine they love.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's "ability to sing", consider the context. Use more formal terms like "vocal proficiency" in academic or professional settings, and informal terms like "knack for singing" in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "ability" in describing musical talents. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "talent", "skill", or "proficiency" to enhance the richness and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to sing" functions as a noun phrase that describes the capacity or skill someone has to produce musical sounds with their voice. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a common and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

22%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to sing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing someone's vocal skill. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While versatile, consider enhancing your writing by using synonyms like "talent for singing" or "vocal proficiency" to avoid repetition. Tailor your language to the context, opting for formal terms in academic settings and more casual phrases in informal conversations. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and creatively communicate about the art and skill of singing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to sing

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", indicating a potential or inherent capability.

talent for singing

Substitutes "ability" with "talent", highlighting a natural aptitude or skill.

skill in singing

Replaces "ability" with "skill", emphasizing proficiency acquired through practice.

vocal proficiency

Uses a more formal term, "vocal proficiency", to describe competence in singing.

expertise in singing

Similar to "skill in singing", but suggests a higher level of mastery.

knack for singing

Suggests a natural ease and aptitude in singing.

gift for singing

Emphasizes singing as an innate, special talent.

power of song

More figurative, referring to the impact or influence of someone's singing.

art of singing

Presents singing as a refined and developed artistic skill.

facility with vocals

Indicates an ease and fluency in using one's voice for singing.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's "ability to sing" in a formal context?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "vocal proficiency", "expertise in singing", or "mastery of vocal techniques" to describe someone's "ability to sing".

What are some less formal ways to refer to someone's "ability to sing"?

Informally, you might say someone has a "talent for singing", a "knack for singing", or a "gift for singing" instead of using the phrase "ability to sing".

Is it correct to use "capacity to sing" instead of "ability to sing"?

Yes, "capacity to sing" is grammatically correct and can be used to describe someone's potential or inherent "ability to sing". However, "ability" often implies demonstrated skill, while "capacity" suggests potential.

What's the difference between saying someone has a "skill in singing" and an "ability to sing"?

While both are similar, "skill in singing" emphasizes proficiency gained through practice and training, whereas "ability to sing" can encompass both innate talent and acquired skill. You can consider "talent for singing" as another alternative.