ability to talk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to talk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or skill to communicate verbally. Example: "Her ability to talk fluently in multiple languages has impressed everyone in the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Describes Varnedoe's ability to talk for hours.

The New Yorker

"And he's got the ability to talk trash to anyone.

The New York Times - Sports

They lack empathy and the ability to talk to people.

The Guardian

Mr. Bush apparently prides himself on his ability to talk with Mr. Hu.

The Washington Post

They're just trying to shut down their ability to talk to the public.

Independent

"I have an ability to talk with everyone, because I respect the other," he told me.

The New Yorker

He has an amazing ability to talk about policy in concrete, common-sense terms.

The New York Times

Environmentalists said the presumptions undermine Shell's ability to talk with authority on climate change.

The Guardian

The caliber of the cameos displays his ability to talk anyone into joining his caravan.

The New York Times

"Turkey is one country that has the ability to talk with all parties to the conflict".

The New York Times

For an avowed elitist, he had a remarkable ability to talk to a crowd.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the development of communicative abilities, use "ability to talk" to highlight the gained skill through learning or practice.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to talk" when the context is solely about the physical mechanism of speech; instead, opt for "capacity for speech" to focus on the physiological capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to talk" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the general capacity or competence to communicate verbally. Ludwig provides many examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to talk" is a common and versatile expression denoting the capacity for verbal communication. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the context and choose more precise alternatives like "capacity for speech" or "skill in communication" to convey specific nuances. Understanding the fine distinctions between these related phrases can enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for speech

Focuses on the physical capability of producing speech.

skill in communication

Highlights the expertise in conveying messages effectively.

articulateness

Emphasizes clarity and fluency in expressing oneself.

verbal proficiency

Stresses competence and expertise in using language.

eloquence

Indicates a refined and persuasive style of speaking.

gift of gab

An idiomatic expression for being a skilled and persuasive talker.

power of expression

Highlights the ability to convey thoughts and feelings effectively.

facility with language

Indicates an ease and fluency in using language.

communicative competence

Focuses on the ability to use language appropriately in different social contexts.

linguistic aptitude

Refers to a natural talent or ability for language.

FAQs

How can I improve my "ability to talk" in public?

Practice speaking in front of small groups, join a public speaking club, and focus on clear and concise communication. Consider seeking feedback to refine your presentation skills.

What's the difference between "ability to talk" and "skill in communication"?

"Ability to talk" generally refers to the basic capacity to speak, while "skill in communication" implies a more refined and effective use of language to convey messages clearly and persuasively.

What are some other phrases to express "ability to talk"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "capacity for speech", "articulateness", or "gift of gab" to convey nuances in meaning.

Is "ability to talk" the same as "verbal proficiency"?

While both relate to language skills, "ability to talk" is a broader term. "Verbal proficiency" suggests a high level of competence and skill in using language, including vocabulary, grammar, and articulation.