ability to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or skill to initiate a task or process. Example: "Her ability to start projects on time has greatly improved the team's efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's the ability to start over and remake yourself.

The New York Times

General Manager Brian Cashman said he had no questions about Johnson's ability to start tomorrow.

The New York Times

Still, Modigliani continued to evince an ability to start each day clean and shaved, ready for work.

The New Yorker

Even the U.S. Congress is trying to block his ability to start a nuclear war against North Korea".

The New Yorker

Stevenson said Wednesday's announcement should not have an impact on the bank's ability to start returning to capital to shareholders.

The Guardian - Business

The promise of new life, of freedom, of the ability to start over, whomever you are, wherever you came from.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When you have a less structured, less themed set, kids have the ability to start from scratch.

The New York Times

But they say she is gaining strength all the time, as evidenced by her ability to start walking again.

The New York Times

What is new is that the data revolution and social media have hugely increased their ability to start "social epidemics".

The Economist

But its ability to start a regular flow of oil for export is hampered by security problems in its southern oil region, particularly the vast Rumaila fields.

The New York Times

Working on a more advanced technology, researchers recently produced a fuel cell with more power and the ability to start in subzero temperatures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the potential for renewal or fresh opportunities, use "ability to start" to highlight the positive aspect of new beginnings. For example, "The program provides individuals with the "ability to start" over after facing adversity."

Common error

Avoid using "ability to start" repeatedly within a short span. Vary your language by using synonyms like "capacity to initiate" or "potential to commence" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to start" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or skill to initiate an action or process. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to start" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase, indicating the capacity or skill to initiate something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable across a wide range of contexts. While synonyms like "capacity to begin" or "potential to commence" may offer more formality, "ability to start" remains a clear and effective choice. As highlighted by the Ludwig examples, it's common in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to begin

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "start" with "begin", emphasizing the potential to commence.

capability to initiate

Substitutes "ability" with "capability" and "start" with "initiate", highlighting the power to trigger an action.

potential to commence

Replaces "ability" with "potential" and "start" with "commence", stressing the possibility of beginning.

aptitude for initiating

Changes "ability" to "aptitude" and "start" to "initiating", focusing on a natural talent for beginning.

skill in starting

Replaces "ability" with "skill", emphasizing expertise in commencing something.

power to launch

Substitutes "ability" with "power" and "start" with "launch", highlighting the force to initiate.

resources to initiate

Changes "ability" to "resources", stressing the required resources to commence something.

chance to begin

Replaces "ability" with "chance", focusing on an opportunity to commence something.

option to initiate

Replaces "ability" with "option", focusing on an option to commence something.

facility for starting

Changes "ability" to "facility", emphasizing the ease in commencing something.

FAQs

What is another way to say "ability to start"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity to begin", "capability to initiate", or "potential to commence" depending on the context.

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

You might say, "Her "ability to start" projects efficiently makes her a valuable team member" or "The new software enhances the user's "ability to start" tasks quickly".

Is there a difference between "ability to start" and "opportunity to start"?

"Ability to start" refers to the inherent skill or capacity one possesses, while "opportunity to start" refers to an external chance or situation that allows one to begin something new.

When is it appropriate to use "ability to start" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "ability to start" in formal writing when discussing skills, capabilities, or potential in a professional or academic context. However, consider more formal synonyms like "capacity to begin" or "potential to commence" for enhanced precision.