alter your ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alter your ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing changes or modifications to someone's skills or capabilities. Example: "The new training program is designed to alter your ability to think critically and solve complex problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

According to a new small study, a lack of sleep may alter your ability to process emotions and keep them in check.

Huffington Post

Even one beer can alter your ability to drive safely.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Most of these diseases alter your body's ability to metabolize Cephalexin.

WikiHow

How much you gain from converting depends on your own economic situation, when you take Social Security, whether tax rates are increased, the general pattern of your marginal tax rates, and your ability to alter your future tax rates.

Forbes

The game's first big update changed a variety of things about the app, including adding the ability to alter your trainer's appearance, tweaking the dynamics of curveballs, and changing part of the way gym battles work and improving the way users transfer unwanted Pokémon to professor Willow.

The Guardian - Tech

Colleges have the ability to alter your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based upon a situation such as one listed above, but it is up to you to make them aware of the situation.

Huffington Post

Modulators (inducers, stimulators, inhibitors and repressors) are substances that alter the ability of a transporter to transport a substrate or alter the ability of an enzyme to metabolize a substrate.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Both metal valence and surface structure alter the ability of a metal surface to dissociate molecules.

Catalysis Today

They know that suspending FICA taxes does not alter their ability to make Social Security and Medicare payments.

Huffington Post

I worried endlessly about the impact of the trauma and whether it might alter her ability to love so deeply ever again.

Huffington Post

It goes without saying that neither of these steps would materially alter the ability of criminals and mentally unstable individuals to acquire firearms.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal development or training programs, use "alter your ability" to highlight the positive changes and improvements participants can expect. For example, "This workshop is designed to alter your ability to communicate effectively".

Common error

Avoid using "alter your ability" when referring to minor or temporary changes. Instead, reserve it for situations where significant, lasting improvements are expected. For example, using this phrase to suggest a single short training session will radically change somebody's skills is often an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter your ability" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a modification or change in one's capacity or skill. As seen in Ludwig's examples, this phrase is often used to describe how external factors or internal conditions can impact someone's competence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alter your ability" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe changes in one's skills or capabilities. While not very common, it appears in various contexts including science, news and media, and wiki sources. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and ensure that the described change is significant and lasting. Consider alternatives such as "modify your capacity" or "change your skill set" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modify your capacity

Emphasizes the act of making changes to one's inherent potential or capability. Slightly more formal.

change your skill set

Focuses on the specific skills one possesses, implying a shift in those skills. More specific than the original.

adjust your aptitude

Highlights the process of fine-tuning or adapting one's natural talent or inclination. Implies a smaller change.

transform your competence

Suggests a more dramatic or fundamental shift in one's overall competence or proficiency. Stronger connotation.

influence your talent

Implies an external force affecting one's natural ability. Focuses on external impact.

reshape your capability

Indicates a significant restructuring or redesign of one's capacity. Stronger and more visual.

impact your competence

Emphasizes the effect of an external factor on one's competence. Focuses on consequences.

affect your potential

Focuses on the influence on future possibilities and unrealized abilities. Forward-looking.

redefine your skill

Suggests a new understanding or interpretation of one's skill. Focuses on perception.

shift your expertise

Implies a movement or change in the area of one's specialized knowledge or skill. Focuses on specialization.

FAQs

How can I use "alter your ability" in a sentence?

You can use "alter your ability" when discussing how something changes your skills or capabilities. For example, "Lack of sleep may "alter your ability" to process emotions".

What can I say instead of "alter your ability"?

You can use alternatives like "modify your capacity", "change your skill set", or "adjust your aptitude" depending on the context.

Is "alter your ability" formal or informal?

The phrase "alter your ability" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific context determines the overall tone.

What factors might "alter your ability" to perform a task?

Many factors can "alter your ability", including lack of sleep, stress, illness, and training. Each factor can influence your cognitive and physical skills.