ability to surmount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to surmount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to overcome challenges or obstacles. Example: "Her ability to surmount difficulties has always impressed her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Aren't million-dollar maestros hired precisely for their ability to surmount such obstacles?

The New Yorker

"Perhaps their ability to surmount the obstacles of the Middle East conflict is what threatens the education ministry".

The Guardian

Giving him a suspended sentence that would bar him from politics is not risk-free either, given his ability to surmount official barriers.

The Economist

A number of guests commented on her ability to surmount the generational gap, but it was DR. KEVIN O'FLAHERTY, Ms. Sosenko's audiologist and friend, who had the last word.

The New York Times

Exosomes (versatile, cell-derived nanovesicles naturally endowed with exquisite target-homing specificity and the ability to surmount in vivo biological barriers) hold substantial promise for developing exciting approaches in drug delivery and cancer immunotherapy.

Trends in Biotechnology

"We had a group experience of a kind of vulnerability but also an ability to surmount it," Dr. Person says, adding that the fervent patriotic readings implied "you can grieve but there also has to be an affirmation of who you are".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

As thermal energy rises with temperature, however, the ability of electrons to surmount this barrier increases, so that resistivity goes down—hence the NTCR behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

8 As an initial indication of the ability of unbiased MD and sesMD to surmount energy barriers in b1, b2 and b3, we consider the 5 ns of simulation at λ=0.01, that is, the λ point closest to the reference state.

ChemPhysChem

The leaders of the city's climate-proofing effort radiate confidence in their ability to meet and surmount the challenges of climate change.

Huffington Post

To surmount these limitations, the tumour needs to acquire abilities that allow it to adapt to a hypoxic microenvironment (Maxwell et al, 1999; Zhong et al, 1999).

British Journal of Cancer

The impetus to surmount these challenges has been the more recent revelation of its ability to bind and inactivate the oncogenic kinase chaperone, Hsp90.

Strategies and Tactics in Organic Synthesis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to surmount", ensure the context clearly defines the specific challenges or obstacles being overcome. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to surmount" when the situation involves simple tasks or minor inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for instances where significant effort and skill are required to overcome substantial difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to surmount" functions as a noun phrase that describes the capacity or power to overcome obstacles or difficulties. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to surmount" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey the capacity to overcome significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for various writing contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", the phrase holds a neutral to formal register. For alternative expressions, consider "capacity to overcome" or "skill in overcoming". Ensure its appropriate usage by reserving it for situations involving substantial difficulties, thus avoiding overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to overcome

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing potential rather than demonstrated skill.

skill in overcoming

Highlights the learned or developed aspect of the ability.

aptitude for conquering

Uses "aptitude" to suggest a natural talent, and "conquering" implies a forceful overcoming.

potential for transcending

Suggests rising above limitations rather than directly confronting them.

power to defeat

Emphasizes strength and the act of winning against something.

resourcefulness in navigating

Focuses on cleverness and adaptability in dealing with complex situations.

talent for rising above

Highlights innate skill and the act of overcoming adversity.

strength to withstand

Emphasizes resilience and endurance when facing challenges.

facility for tackling

Implies ease and competence in dealing with difficult tasks.

effectiveness in handling

Focuses on the practical results of managing difficult situations.

FAQs

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

Use "ability to surmount" when referring to someone's capacity to overcome significant challenges or obstacles. For example: "Her ability to surmount adversity was evident throughout her career."

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

You can use alternatives like "capacity to overcome", "skill in overcoming", or "aptitude for conquering" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "ability to surmount" or "ability to overcome"?

"Ability to surmount" and "ability to overcome" are very similar. However, "ability to surmount" often implies a greater degree of difficulty and triumph over significant obstacles, while "ability to overcome" is a more general term.

What kind of challenges does the phrase "ability to surmount" typically refer to?

The phrase "ability to surmount" often refers to challenges that are significant, complex, or deeply rooted, such as "official barriers", "generational gap", or "regulatory hurdles".