according to your ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to your ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing tasks, responsibilities, or contributions that should be aligned with someone's skills or capacity. Example: "We will assign tasks according to your ability to ensure everyone can contribute effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

You can receive according to your need, but you are expected to work according to your ability".

The New Yorker

"There has never been just 'coach class' health care, but with these amenities you are seeing people get priorities according to your ability to pay," he said.

The New York Times

For instance, alimony (also called spousal support or maintenance) will be set according to your ability to meet your own needs or pay for those of your spouse after the court distributes whatever property you have between you.

Forbes

Divide your homework according to your ability in the subject.

WikiHow

Set your credit limit according to your ability to manage payments.

WikiHow

Reading the word list is the most convenient method to start with and you can adjust your speed according to your ability.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is full of slogans and puns ("The tongue is mightier than the sword", "Avoid Freud") and incorporates his Cunnilinguist Manifesto: "To her according to your abilities, from you according to her needs".

The Guardian

Boots vary according to their flex and are chosen according to your riding ability and style.

WikiHow

It doesn't matter where you come from; you should rise according to your talent and your ability".

The New York Times

It is best to build your exercise routine gradually according to your needs and abilities.

WikiHow

Your visual system helps you make such decisions by warping and stretching the things you look at according to your physical traits or abilities, says Jessica Witt, a cognitive psychologist at Colorado State University, Fort Collins.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assigning tasks, use "according to your ability" to clearly communicate that you are considering each person's skills and experience to avoid unrealistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "according to your ability" when referring to willingness or motivation. It should primarily relate to demonstrated or inherent skills, not desire or effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to your ability" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that an action or assignment is being determined by or is proportional to someone's skill or capacity. Ludwig indicates it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

33%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "according to your ability" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to indicate tasks or contributions are aligned with someone's skills or capacity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's correct and usable in written English. While suitable for various contexts, including news and general writing, more formal settings may benefit from considering alternative phrases like "based on your capabilities" or "commensurate with your skill set". Remember that the phrase relates to actual skills and competence, and should not be used to refer to willingness or motivation. The frequency of the expression is 'uncommon'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on your capabilities

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes inherent potential.

relative to your strengths

This alternative focuses on positive attributes and advantages.

in line with your talents

This alternative focuses on natural aptitudes and gifts.

depending on your capacity

This alternative emphasizes the available resources or space to do something.

commensurate with your skill set

This alternative is more formal and highlights professional expertise.

contingent on your aptitude

This alternative highlights learned or acquired abilities.

as per your competence

This alternative emphasizes demonstrated proficiency.

proportional to your expertise

This alternative stresses the level of specialized knowledge.

within your means

This alternative focuses on financial or material resources.

to the extent of your knowledge

This alternative is specific to cognitive abilities and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "according to your ability" in a sentence?

You can use "according to your ability" to describe how tasks or responsibilities should be distributed, such as: "We will assign projects "according to your ability" and experience."

What phrases are similar to "according to your ability"?

Alternatives to "according to your ability" include phrases like "based on your capabilities", "in line with your talents", or "depending on your capacity".

Is "according to your ability" formal or informal?

The phrase "according to your ability" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "commensurate with your skill set" might be preferable in certain professional settings.

When should I NOT use "according to your ability"?

Avoid using "according to your ability" when you actually mean "according to your willingness" or "motivation." The phrase primarily refers to skill, competence, or capacity, not desire.