ability to solve problems

USAGE SUMMARY

"ability to solve problems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to discuss someone's (or a group's) capacities. For example, "The team demonstrated their impressive ability to solve problems in the face of adversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ability to solve problems.

The New York Times

"Intelligence is the ability to solve problems".

The New Yorker

It has this strange ability to solve problems, first.

The New Yorker

A measure of their progress this season is their ability to solve problems.

The Guardian - Sport

Sociologists have long found that "weak ties" greatly expand your ability to solve problems.

The New York Times - Magazine

For its ability to solve problems, its appeal to high-minded individuals?

The New York Times

He gushes about the energy of India's vast informal sector, and its ability to solve problems.

The Economist

In some cases, the organization's ability to solve problems collapses completely, and overall performance plummets.

Harvard Business Review

An agency's success de pends on its ability to solve problems.

The New York Times

"Our campaign is about restoring people's confidence in our ability to solve problems together," Clinton said.

The Washington Post

"We set out to help unaccompanied minors develop confidence in their ability to solve problems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's strengths, specify the types of problems they excel at solving. For example, instead of saying "they have the "ability to solve problems"", say "they have the ability to solve complex engineering problems".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "ability to solve problems" as a vague attribute. Instead, provide concrete examples of how this ability has been demonstrated in past experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to solve problems" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a general competence or skill. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is widely recognized and accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to solve problems" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to describe competence in resolving issues. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is well-established across various domains. While versatile, it's best practice to provide context and examples to showcase this ability effectively. Related phrases like ""problem-solving skills"" and ""problem-solving capacity"" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Avoiding generic use and providing concrete evidence will strengthen your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problem-solving skills

Focuses on the skills required rather than the general capability.

problem-solving capacity

Emphasizes the capacity or potential for solving problems.

aptitude for problem-solving

Highlights a natural talent or inclination toward solving problems.

skill at resolving issues

Focuses on resolving issues, implying a practical approach.

competence in addressing challenges

Emphasizes competence and the act of addressing challenges.

capacity to overcome obstacles

Shifts the focus to overcoming obstacles rather than simply solving problems.

talent for finding solutions

Highlights the talent aspect and focuses on finding solutions.

knack for dealing with difficulties

Uses more informal language, suggesting an innate ability.

resourcefulness in handling setbacks

Emphasizes resourcefulness and handling setbacks.

effectiveness in troubleshooting

Focuses on troubleshooting, suggesting a more technical or diagnostic approach.

FAQs

How can I improve my "ability to solve problems"?

Improving your "ability to solve problems" involves developing critical thinking, practicing problem-solving techniques, and seeking diverse perspectives. Start by breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and exploring various potential solutions.

What skills are related to the "ability to solve problems"?

Skills related to the "ability to solve problems" include critical thinking, analytical skills, creativity, communication, and decision-making. These skills work together to help individuals identify, analyze, and resolve issues effectively.

How is the "ability to solve problems" evaluated in job interviews?

The "ability to solve problems" is often evaluated through behavioral questions, case studies, and technical assessments. Interviewers may ask you to describe a time when you faced a challenging problem and how you approached solving it. Prepare examples that showcase your problem-solving process and results.

What are some alternative phrases for "ability to solve problems"?

You can use alternatives like "problem-solving skills", "problem-solving capacity", or "skill at resolving issues" depending on the context.