an ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

"an ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's capacity or capability. For example, "He demonstrated an ability to stay focused despite numerous challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An ability to entertain one proposition is correlated with an ability to think other propositions.

SEP

They showed an ability to empathise".

Independent

She has an ability to continue fighting.

The New York Times - Sports

One is an ability to disrupt biofilms.

The Economist

She has an ability to motivate people.

The Washington Post

We have an ability to play physical.

The New York Times - Sports

The spaceship has an ability to shoot.

Cornell University

Halves have been picked on an ability to tackle rather than an ability to create tries.

The Guardian - Sport

And an ability to cook is a huge advantage.

The New York Times

Ultimately, this is about an ability to listen and engage.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has also demonstrated an ability to make tough decisions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skills, follow "an ability to" with a specific and measurable verb to clearly communicate the intended action. For example, "an ability to analyze data" is more precise than "an ability to understand data".

Common error

Avoid pairing "an ability to" with overly general verbs like "know", "understand", or "appreciate". These verbs lack specificity and can weaken the impact of your statement. Instead, use verbs that clearly articulate the action being performed, such as "analyze", "synthesize", or "implement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ability to" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the capacity or potential for someone or something to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

25%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ability to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to describe someone's or something's capacity or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, academia, and science contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "the capacity to" or "the capability to", it's important to pair it with specific verbs to enhance clarity. Avoiding vague verbs and considering context-appropriate synonyms will further refine your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage "an ability to" in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the capacity to

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", suggesting inherent potential.

the capability to

Substitutes "ability" with "capability", emphasizing the power to perform.

a skill to

Uses "skill" instead of "ability", implying learned proficiency.

adeptness at

Emphasizes expertise and skill in performing something.

a talent for

Indicates a natural aptitude or gift.

the potential to

Focuses on the possibility or likelihood of achieving something.

the wherewithal to

Highlights having the necessary means or resources.

competence in

Implies a sufficient level of proficiency or expertise.

proficiency with

Emphasizes skill and expertise in a specific area.

the faculty of

Suggests an inherent or innate power or ability, often used in formal contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "an ability to" to describe someone's capacity or skill to perform a specific action. For example, "She has "an ability to motivate people"".

What are some alternatives to "an ability to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the capacity to", "the capability to", or "a skill to".

Is it better to use "ability to" or "capacity to"?

Both "ability to" and "capacity to" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. However, "capacity" may imply a more inherent or potential capability, while "ability" suggests a demonstrated skill.

What's the difference between "an ability to" and "a skill in"?

"An ability to" generally refers to the general capacity to do something, while "a skill in" implies expertise or proficiency in a particular area. For example, you might have "an ability to learn new languages" but "a skill in speaking French".