ability to weigh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to weigh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to evaluate or consider different factors or options in decision-making. Example: "Her ability to weigh the pros and cons of each proposal made her an invaluable member of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

This is someone with an ability to weigh up what might happen to him if he misbehaves seriously in prison.

The Guardian

"Our ability to weigh in will depend on whether the Higgs is there and what its mass is," he said.

The New York Times - Science

She just wants her students to leave Hillel with a sense of critical thought and the ability to weigh the effect of variables with a lithe mind.

The New York Times

Some critics suggest that the party has not been aggressive enough in fighting that idea, limiting Democrats' ability to weigh in.

The New York Times

Skill in sharing includes a hard-won, difficult-to-inculcate appreciation of consequences and the ability to weigh them against the benefits.

The Guardian - Tech

The historian's gloss matters (not to mention all the facts that are left out): it provides the reader with intellectual traction, an ability to weigh the claims being put forward to justify the selection of facts.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

This definition somehow implies the cognitive and emotional ability to consider and weigh several different sources of information.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

The ability to consider and weigh diverse arguments and to communicate clearly with various stakeholders is essential.

Science Magazine

Simply put, critical facility is the ability to dissect, weigh up and analyse the things we see and hear.

Independent

WINGS gives teams the ability to transparently weigh the sentiment toward their crypto token project by using the power of crowd intelligence.

TechCrunch

Thus, teenage brains are wired to seek out pleasurable experiences without the ability to fully weigh the risks of these experiences.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to weigh", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being weighed (e.g., "ability to weigh the risks and benefits").

Common error

Avoid using "ability to weigh" when the context suggests only a superficial consideration. Reserve it for scenarios involving genuine and thoughtful evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to weigh" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a capacity or skill related to evaluation and judgment. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct, with many examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to weigh" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone's capacity for evaluation and judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, demonstrating its versatility. While "ability to weigh" generally maintains a neutral register, it's important to use it when a thoughtful and genuine process of consideration is involved, as opposed to a superficial assessment. When used correctly, the phrase effectively highlights competence in decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for assessment

Focuses on the inherent capability rather than the action of weighing.

skill in evaluation

Highlights expertise in making judgments, emphasizing proficiency.

power to influence

Emphasizes the impact one's opinion has, rather than the process of forming it.

faculty of judgment

Refers to a mental ability to form opinions or make evaluations.

capability for appraisal

Stresses a formal evaluation of worth or merit.

potential for consideration

Highlights the possibility of weighing options rather than the actual act.

scope to contribute

Focuses on contributing an opinion or viewpoint, rather than the evaluation itself.

leverage to negotiate

Highlights the influence in a bargaining or decision-making situation.

opportunity to have input

Emphasizes the chance to offer an opinion, diverging from the evaluation process.

prerogative to determine

Suggests a right or privilege to make a decision or judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to weigh" when describing someone's capacity to evaluate different options or factors, such as, "Her "ability to weigh" the consequences made her a great leader."

What are some alternatives to "ability to weigh"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "capacity for assessment", "skill in evaluation", or "faculty of judgment".

Is it better to say "ability to weigh" or "ability to consider"?

While both are correct, "ability to weigh" suggests a more deliberate and analytical process than "ability to consider", which implies a more general awareness or thought.

What does it mean to have the "ability to weigh"?

Having the "ability to weigh" means possessing the mental capacity and skills necessary to carefully evaluate different options, factors, or arguments before making a decision or forming an opinion.