ability to swell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to swell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing physical properties, emotions, or reactions that involve expansion or increase in size or intensity. Example: "The balloon's ability to swell when filled with air is essential for its function."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The following properties were evaluated for the nanocomposite gels: The essence of swelling measurements is to ascertain the maximum swelling capacity of gels to determine its ability to swell and plug reservoir fractures and high permeability matrices.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

This is probably due to the fact that PEC is rapidly converted to pectinic acid, at pH 1-2, whash has the ability to swell on hydration being virtually insoluble but it has lower swelling capacity compared to PEC [ 47].

BioMed Research International

AABSIPs have the ability to swell during the thermal treatment increasing their volume and apparent porosity.

Construction and Building Materials

The favorable property dealing with the hydrogel is the ability to swell when kept in any solvent.

Progress in Biomaterials

IPNs reduce their ability to swell in water with increasing P N-iPAAm) content because of the formation of hydroP N-iPAAmterpolymer contentes through hydrogen because.

Polymer

The ability to swell and shrink cyclically upon repeated pH jumps and the absence of cytotoxicity have been demonstrated for all the hydrogels produced.

Reactive and Functional Polymers

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It could be that the ethanol interferes with the rhabdite's ability to properly swell on contact with water, thereby inhibiting mucus production.

Plosone

This method takes advantage of the RBC membrane's ability to reversibly swell in response to the osmolarity of the extracellular environment [ 23– 26].

Biomedical Optics Express

An increase in the PLLA/dioxane ratio decreases the micropores size and also influences to some extent the macropores size, due to the ability of dioxane to swell macroporogen particles.

Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids

Stimuli responsive polymer hydrogels with their ability to swell/de-swell under varying pH conditions present themselves as a potential candidate for controlled drug delivery.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

However, where you get into difficulty is in the ability many starches have to swell with moisture and hold it during the baking process.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical properties, pair "ability to swell" with specific conditions or substances that cause the swelling (e.g., "ability to swell in water", "ability to swell under heat").

Common error

Avoid using "ability to swell" without specifying the context or limitations. For example, instead of saying "the material has the ability to swell", specify what causes the swelling and to what extent it can swell.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to swell" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a characteristic property. For example, "The favorable property dealing with the hydrogel is the ability to swell when kept in any solvent."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to swell" is a grammatically correct noun phrase commonly used to describe the capacity of a substance or material to increase in volume, particularly when exposed to certain conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific and technical contexts, reflecting its role in describing physical properties. While generally formal, its usage can extend to news and media when discussing related scientific or technical topics. When using this phrase, ensure you specify the conditions under which the swelling occurs for clarity. Alternatives like "capacity to expand" or "potential to increase in volume" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to expand

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "swell" with "expand", emphasizing the potential for enlargement.

capability of expansion

Similar to "capacity to expand", but uses "capability" instead of "ability".

potential to increase in volume

Highlights the possibility of growth in size, using a more descriptive phrase.

tendency to enlarge

Focuses on the inclination or likelihood of increasing in size.

facility for expansion

Implies an ease or readiness in growing larger.

aptitude for inflation

Emphasizes the suitability for becoming inflated or larger.

propensity to distend

Refers to the natural inclination to expand outward.

power of augmentation

Highlights the strength or force behind the ability to increase.

skill at inflating

Focuses on a specific skill related to making something larger.

room for growth

Emphasizes the availability of space or opportunity to increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to swell" to describe the characteristics of a material that expands when exposed to certain conditions. For example, "The hydrogel's "ability to swell" in water makes it ideal for drug delivery systems".

What are some alternatives to "ability to swell"?

Some alternatives include "capacity to expand", "potential to increase in volume", or "capability of expansion", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "ability to swell" in formal writing?

Yes, "ability to swell" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where describing material properties is necessary.

What's the difference between "ability to swell" and "tendency to swell"?

"Ability to swell" indicates a capability, while "tendency to swell" suggests a likelihood or inclination. "Ability" implies it can happen, whereas "tendency" implies it will likely happen under the right circumstances.