ability to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ability to think' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase when expressing the capacity of someone to think, solve problems, or make decisions. For example, "John has a remarkable ability to think outside the box."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would it affect my ability to think?

The New Yorker

The ability to think clearly and act decisively under pressure.

The New York Times

You lose all balance and ability to think rationally.

The New Yorker

He gave me desire and an ability to think fast.

The New York Times - Sports

"Their greed whoops their ability to think clearly.

The New York Times

Has this unnecessarily constrained their ability to think creatively about how best to use IT A.

The Economist

In the late 1970s Griffin argued that animals might possess the ability to think and reason.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I also don't want to compromise my ability to think and react.

The New York Times - Health

Nothing else would explain college graduates with no ability to think analytically and act rationally..

The New York Times

His ability to think on his feet forged a victory against Sweden.

Independent

Yes, I worry about my ability to think long thoughts — where was I, anyway?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ability to think" when you want to express a general capacity for reasoning, problem-solving, or creative thought. It's suitable for diverse contexts, from academic discussions to everyday conversations.

Common error

While "ability to think" is versatile, avoid overuse by substituting it with more specific terms like "reasoning skills", "cognitive capacity", or "analytical thinking" to add precision and variety to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to think" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a capability or capacity. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread usability. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe general thinking skills, analytical capabilities, and creative thought processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to think" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression denoting one's capacity for reasoning and problem-solving. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While "ability to think" is quite common, varying your language with alternatives like "cognitive capacity" or "reasoning skill" can enhance writing precision. Remember to use it to describe general mental capabilities and avoid overuse to keep your writing engaging. By avoiding common mistakes, such as using the less common "ability of thinking", you ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for thought

A more formal way of expressing the same concept.

cognitive capacity

Emphasizes the mental capability and processes involved in thinking.

mental acuity

Focuses on the sharpness and clarity of thought.

intellectual capability

Highlights the overall intellectual power and potential.

power of reasoning

Highlights the strength and effectiveness of one's reasoning abilities.

reasoning skill

Specifically refers to the skill of logical thinking and inference.

problem-solving aptitude

Emphasizes the natural talent for solving problems.

critical thinking skills

Focuses on analytical and evaluative thinking abilities.

mental processing speed

Refers to the efficiency with which one can process information mentally.

intellectual prowess

Emphasizes exceptional skill and talent in intellectual activities.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to think" to describe someone's capacity for reasoning or problem-solving. For example, "The course aims to enhance students' "ability to think" critically."

What are some alternatives to "ability to think"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "cognitive capacity", "mental acuity", or "reasoning skill" to express similar ideas.

Which is correct: "ability to think" or "ability of thinking"?

"Ability to think" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Ability of thinking" is less frequently used and may sound awkward in most contexts.

What's the difference between "ability to think" and "inclination to think"?

"Ability to think" refers to the capacity or skill to engage in thought, while "inclination to think" refers to a tendency or desire to do so. One describes competence, the other describes a preference.