ability to support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's or something's capacity to provide assistance or help in a particular context. Example: "The software's ability to support multiple languages makes it accessible to a wider audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This undermines their ability to support others.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both crises are straining Ethiopia's ability to support refugee populations.

The Guardian

"It affects our ability to support good works".

The New York Times

He has the ability to support a patient approach.

The New York Times - Sports

It just manifested the incredible productivity of this ocean and its ability to support life".

The New Yorker

The officer said her biggest concerns were her children and her ability to support them.

The New York Times

But Americans are losing their jobs and their ability to support their families.

The New York Times

We always need to have the ability to support flexibility and innovation in local communities.

The Guardian

This is an important advance in our ability to support the opposition and help save lives.

The Guardian

He overestimated German chancellor Angela Merkel's willingness and ability to support the British position.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is where the vision of the founding member eclipses their ability to support trustees properly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to support", clearly specify what is being supported and the nature of the support. This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to support" when the actual capacity is limited or untested. Instead, use qualifying language like "potential to support" or "limited ability to support" to manage expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to support" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the capacity or power to provide aid, assistance, or resources. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from environmental sustainability to personal finance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to support" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that denotes the capacity to provide aid or resources. As validated by Ludwig, it maintains grammatical correctness and appears frequently across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal in register, being mindful of context and intended audience is key. When writing with "ability to support", ensure clarity by specifying what and how support is being offered, and avoid overstating actual capacity. Alternative phrases like "capacity to aid" or "potential to sustain" may be more suitable depending on the nuances you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to aid

Focuses on the inherent capability to provide assistance, emphasizing potential more than current action.

capability to assist

Highlights the expertise and resources available for help, suggesting a well-developed support system.

potential to sustain

Emphasizes long-term maintenance and continuation, rather than immediate support.

power to uphold

Implies a strength and authority in providing support, often in the face of challenges.

resources to maintain

Highlights the tangible assets that enable support, focusing on the logistical aspect.

means to facilitate

Stresses the tools and methods used to make support easier and more effective.

scope to bolster

Suggests a range of influence and effectiveness in strengthening or reinforcing something.

aptitude to reinforce

Emphasizes a natural skill or talent for strengthening and supporting existing structures or systems.

talent to nurture

Implies a careful and caring approach to supporting growth and development.

facility to strengthen

Highlights the ease and convenience with which support can be provided, suggesting a well-organized system.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to support" to describe someone's or something's capacity to provide assistance or help in a particular context. For example: "The new policy enhances our "capacity to aid" vulnerable families."

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

Alternatives to "ability to support" include phrases like "capacity to assist", "potential to sustain", or "resources to maintain", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "ability to support" or "ability of supporting"?

"Ability to support" is generally preferred and more grammatically correct. "Ability of supporting" is less common and can sound awkward. It's better to use the infinitive form "to support".

What's the difference between "ability to support" and "willingness to support"?

"Ability to support" refers to the capacity or resources one has to provide assistance, while "willingness to support" refers to the inclination or readiness to provide that assistance. One indicates capability, and the other indicates intent.