ability to thrive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to thrive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to succeed or flourish in a particular environment or situation. Example: "The training program is designed to enhance the participants' ability to thrive in challenging circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The psychologists testified to his ability to thrive under structure.

The New York Times - Magazine

And I am interested in that ability to thrive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Executives here cite Georgia's ability to thrive despite the embargo as evidence of their resilience.

The New York Times

Our ability to thrive together is limited only by our imagination.

The Guardian - Opinion

Leyland's players agreed, declaring their confidence in the Tigers' ability to thrive under pressure.

The New York Times

It also affects our ability to thrive simply as all Californians.

University of California, Berkeley

Villa would be attracted by their former midfielder Curbishley's ability to thrive on a limited budget.

The Guardian - Sport

It will lack a satisfying narrative and lose the ability to thrive in terror's wake.

The New York Times

While the physical aspects of the game test players' ability to thrive, emotional obstacles are also a weighty factor.

The New York Times

In fact, the ability to thrive within the dominant culture is what makes the successful groups successful.

The Guardian

Food foragers and gardeners have long appreciated it for its accessibility and weed-like ability to thrive on neglect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ability to thrive" when emphasizing a fundamental or inherent capacity to succeed and flourish, particularly in challenging or changing environments.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to thrive" in contexts where simple success or adequacy is meant. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact. Reserve it for situations where genuine flourishing or overcoming adversity is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to thrive" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and usable expression. It describes a capability or potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to thrive" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that denotes the inherent capacity to flourish and prosper, especially in challenging or dynamic environments. As evidenced by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "capacity to flourish" and "potential to succeed" exist, "ability to thrive" emphasizes a more active and resilient form of success. It's important to reserve its use for situations genuinely involving flourishing or overcoming adversity, avoiding overuse in overly positive or simplistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to flourish

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "thrive" with "flourish", offering a more poetic tone.

potential to succeed

Substitutes "ability" with "potential" and "thrive" with "succeed", focusing on the possibility of achievement.

aptitude for growth

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude" and "thrive" with "growth", highlighting a natural inclination toward development.

power to overcome

Shifts the focus to the strength needed to conquer challenges.

talent for resilience

Emphasizes the innate gift of recovering quickly from difficulties.

skill in adaptation

Highlights the proficiency in adjusting to new conditions.

strength to prosper

Focuses on the fortitude required to achieve prosperity.

resourcefulness in surviving

Emphasizes the capability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

capacity for endurance

Highlights the ability to withstand hardship or stress.

potential for advancement

Focuses on the prospects of moving forward and improving.

FAQs

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

Use "ability to thrive" to describe someone or something's inherent capacity to succeed, especially in challenging conditions. For example, "The program aims to enhance the students' "ability to thrive" in a competitive job market."

What are some alternatives to "ability to thrive"?

Depending on the specific meaning you want to convey, consider using alternatives such as "capacity to flourish", "potential to succeed", or "aptitude for growth".

Is it correct to say "ability to thrive on"?

Yes, it is correct. "Ability to thrive on" suggests that someone or something benefits from or excels in a particular condition or stimulus. For instance, "Some companies have the "ability to thrive on" change and uncertainty."

What is the difference between "ability to survive" and "ability to thrive"?

"Ability to survive" refers to the capacity to merely exist or persist, especially in difficult circumstances. "Ability to thrive", on the other hand, indicates a capacity to flourish, grow, and prosper. Thriving goes beyond mere survival and implies a higher level of success and well-being.