ability to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to someone's capacity to take on a job or duty. For example: "The candidate demonstrated his ability to work effectively under pressure during the interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It undermined her ability to work.

The New Yorker

Ability to work cross-functionally.

Harvard Business Review

Ability to work under pressure essential.

The Guardian - Sport

Talent is the ability to work".

The New York Times - Arts

They feared outliving their ability to work.

The New York Times

How is the cloud enhancing our ability to work anywhere?

The Guardian

Hunsicker praised Williams's ability to work with young players.

The New York Times - Sports

They reward the ability to work hard and memorize things.

The New York Times

Another reason mentioned was people's ability to work together.

The Guardian

I'm looking for the ability to work with other people.

The New York Times

A family values a girl for her ability to work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a specific job requirement, use "ability to work" followed by a clarifying prepositional phrase, such as "ability to work under pressure" or "ability to work in a team".

Common error

Instead of broadly stating "the candidate has the ability to work", provide concrete examples of how they have demonstrated this ability in past experiences. Be specific about the kind of "work" you mean.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to work" functions as a noun phrase, denoting the capacity or potential to perform tasks or duties. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It's often used to describe a skill or attribute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

21%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to work" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone's capacity to perform tasks or duties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread acceptance. It is suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, business, and science. While generally neutral, it's essential to provide specific examples when using this phrase to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for work

Focuses on the inherent potential or aptitude for performing work-related tasks.

employability

Refers to the qualities and qualifications that make someone attractive to employers.

effectiveness at one's job

Emphasizes the degree to which someone is successful and productive in their job role.

capability to function

Emphasizes the general ability to operate or perform effectively, not specifically tied to work.

competence in the workforce

Highlights the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to succeed in a professional environment.

proficiency in tasks

Highlights the level of competence and expertise in carrying out specific tasks.

potential for employment

Highlights the possibility of being hired or engaged in work.

aptitude for job performance

Stresses the natural talent or skill that makes someone suitable for a particular job.

skill set for labor

Focuses on the specific skills and competencies required to perform physical or manual labor.

work readiness

Indicates a state of being prepared and suitable for entering the workforce.

FAQs

How do I use "ability to work" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to work" to describe someone's capacity to perform tasks. For example, "The company values candidates with the "ability to collaborate" effectively."

What skills are related to "ability to work"?

Skills related to "ability to work" include "ability to collaborate", problem-solving, time management, and communication skills.

Is "ability to work" a formal or informal phrase?

"Ability to work" is a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in resumes, job descriptions, and everyday conversations.

What can I say instead of "ability to work"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity for work", "employability", or "potential for employment" depending on the context.