according to their abilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to their abilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being done or assigned based on the skills or capabilities of individuals. Example: "The tasks were distributed according to their abilities, ensuring that everyone could contribute effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Singers would adorn their lines according to their abilities and whims.

The New Yorker

Computer games that adaptively adjust difficulty are used to continuously challenge players according to their abilities.

Computers & Education

The registration and categorization of populations according to their abilities, gender and ethnic group were all tremendously enhanced.

The New York Times - Arts

We should defend the principle of from each according to their abilities to each according to their needs.

The Guardian

His students are divided into reading groups and pushed according to their abilities; some fourth graders read seventh-grade books, some read second-grade books.

The New York Times

Whether installing struts or inspiring students, workers should be praised, paid, disciplined or dismissed according to their abilities and their results.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Wimbledon seeds players according to their ability on grass.

The New York Times - Sports

The result is that people pay according to their ability to pay.

University of California, Berkeley

The Tom Daley Dive scores gamers according to their ability to copy 79 of his dives.

The Guardian - Sport

Four ILs were selected according to their ability to meet industrial requirements.

Chemical Engineering Journal

The species were ranked according to their ability of controlling air quality.

Procedia Environmental Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider if 'abilities' is the most precise word. Sometimes 'skills', 'talents', or 'capabilities' might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "according to their abilities" can sometimes sound redundant or simplistic in formal writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "commensurate with their expertise" or "tailored to their competencies" for enhanced clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to their abilities" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates that an action or distribution is being done in relation to individual capabilities, as seen in Ludwig's examples where students are grouped or workers are evaluated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "according to their abilities" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that actions or assignments are tailored to individual capabilities. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific articles, and can be effectively used to convey the idea of matching tasks to skills for optimal outcomes. While generally neutral in tone, writers should consider more sophisticated alternatives in formal settings to avoid sounding simplistic. By focusing on clarity and precision, the phrase can enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on their skills

Replaces 'abilities' with 'skills', focusing on learned proficiency. Slightly more informal.

in line with their capabilities

Emphasizes the potential or capacity rather than demonstrated ability. More formal.

commensurate with their talents

Highlights innate gifts or aptitudes. Suggests a higher level of skill.

as per their competencies

Highlights demonstrated skills and knowledge in a specific area. More professional.

dependent on their aptitude

Focuses on inherent potential for learning and performance.

tailored to their strengths

Focuses on positive attributes and areas of expertise.

reflecting their proficiency

Indicates a high level of skill and expertise.

aligned with their skill sets

Emphasizes the specific combination of skills an individual possesses.

in accordance with their capacity

Highlights the maximum amount that someone can contain or produce.

proportionate to their know-how

Focuses on practical knowledge and expertise.

FAQs

How can I use "according to their abilities" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to indicate that tasks, responsibilities, or opportunities are distributed or adjusted based on individual capabilities. For instance, "The students were grouped "according to their abilities" for the reading assignment."

What are some alternatives to "according to their abilities"?

You can use phrases like "based on their skills", "in line with their capabilities", or "commensurate with their talents" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "according to their abilities" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might opt for a more sophisticated alternative to enhance clarity and impact.

How does "according to their abilities" differ from "according to their needs"?

"According to their abilities" focuses on distributing resources or tasks based on what individuals are capable of doing, while "according to their needs" focuses on providing resources based on what individuals require. They address different criteria for allocation.