based on their ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on their ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing criteria or standards that are determined by someone's skills or competencies. Example: "The students were grouped based on their ability to ensure that each child received the appropriate level of support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They get paid based on their ability to generate revenues for the firm," Mr. Crawford added.

The New York Times

"You end up punishing people based on their ability to pay," Dr. Salmon said.

The New York Times - Health

People got what they got based on their ability to push and pull, maim and slaughter.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the models are evaluated based on their ability to capture microstructured scale effects.

Composite Structures

"We move our faculty and students around the world based on their ability to get visas," Dr. George says.

The New York Times

In recent years, the firms have been valued based on their ability to increase assets under management.

The New York Times

During the research stage, we identified partner organisations based on their ability to deliver the core messages of the campaign.

The Guardian

Ribotoxins show antitumoral properties based on their ability to cross the membrane of some transformed cells.

Journal of Biotechnology

Most applications of MOFs are based on their ability to function as hosts.

Coordination Chemistry Reviews

But the approach could backfire if schools decide to weed out prospective students based on their ability to pay.

The Washington Post

Under NCLB, schools were given an accountability ranking based on their ability to meet their own unique target goals.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on their ability", ensure that the criteria for ability are clearly defined and relevant to the context. For example, specify whether you're referring to physical ability, cognitive ability, or a specific skill set.

Common error

Avoid using "based on their ability" as a euphemism for other factors like socioeconomic status or access to resources. Ability should genuinely reflect demonstrated skills or potential, not circumstantial advantages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on their ability" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the criteria upon which something is determined or evaluated. It specifies the standard used for assessment, selection, or classification. Ludwig's examples showcase its function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "based on their ability" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate that decisions, classifications, or evaluations are determined by an individual's skills or competencies. Ludwig's AI analysis affirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral to formal in tone, it's crucial to ensure that "ability" is accurately defined and not used as a substitute for other factors. Alternatives like "depending on their skills" or "according to their competence" can offer nuanced variations depending on the context. Ludwig's examples effectively illustrate the phrase's application in various scenarios, highlighting its importance in clear and objective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on their skills

This alternative focuses on the specific skills possessed by individuals, rather than their overall ability.

according to their competence

This phrase emphasizes demonstrated competence, suggesting a formal evaluation of qualifications.

judging by their capabilities

This implies an assessment or estimation based on what someone is capable of doing.

evaluated on their proficiency

This highlights a formal evaluation process that focuses on the level of skill or expertise.

determined by their aptitude

This suggests that innate potential or talent is the deciding factor.

premised on their performance

This alternative is centered on how well someone executes tasks or duties.

conditional on their expertise

This phrase indicates that something is dependent on the level of expert knowledge someone possesses.

hinging on their qualifications

This signifies that the outcome is directly related to the formal credentials or training of an individual.

calibrated by their potential

This suggests an evaluation based on future possibilities and inherent talents.

subject to their talent

The criteria for this is based on their inherent gifts and capacities for excellence or achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "based on their ability" in a sentence?

You can use "based on their ability" to describe decisions or classifications, like, "The students were grouped "based on their ability" in math to ensure they received appropriate instruction."

What are some alternatives to saying "based on their ability"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "depending on their skills", "according to their competence", or "judging by their capabilities".

Is it correct to say "based off their ability" instead of "based on their ability"?

While "based off" is sometimes used informally, "based on" is generally considered more grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing.

What's the difference between "based on their ability" and "related to their ability"?

"Based on their ability" implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship, where ability determines an outcome. "Related to their ability" suggests a connection but doesn't necessarily imply that ability is the sole determining factor.