been given the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been given the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone who has received a specific skill or capability, often in a passive construction. Example: "After extensive training, she has been given the ability to lead the project effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

These domesticated beasts -- cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens -- have been given the ability to produce pharmaceuticals and other valuable substances in their milk, eggs or semen.

The New York Times

"We certainly have been given the ability to expand, but we have to make sure the technology is going to support that," Torre said.

The New York Times

"I still don't believe that man has been given the ability, no matter how proud they think of themselves, to completely control something that they're only on its surface for a very short time," he said.

The New Yorker

She later said she experienced her first vision during the days she was missing, and believed she had been given the ability to heal people and predict the future.

Independent

This new update isn't all about photos though — users have been given the ability to like and comment on Facebook posts from directly within the app.

TechCrunch

We've been given the ability to choose quickly from extremely large catalogs of product, and we're not going to stop until we find something that captures our attention for at least 30 seconds.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Hasn't Ask.com been giving the ability to add themes to the search engine for much longer than both Google and Bing, though?

TechCrunch

I think I was given the ability to do it".

The New York Times - Sports

- bet_state - The user is given the ability to enter his/her bet for the individual hand.

Cornell University

- bank_state - The user is given the ability to enter his/her bankroll for game play.

Cornell University

Constituents other than shareholders could be given the ability to choose representatives involved in decision making.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been given the ability" when emphasizing that someone has received a specific capacity or skill, particularly through external means or circumstances. This passive construction highlights the source or giver of the ability.

Common error

Avoid using "been given the ability" when the ability is inherently developed or naturally acquired, rather than explicitly granted or bestowed. In such cases, consider phrases like "developed the ability" or "possessed the skill".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been given the ability" functions as a passive construction emphasizing the reception of a capacity or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It highlights that the subject has received something, rather than actively developing it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been given the ability" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to emphasize that a subject has received a particular skill or capacity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academia and science. While it's important to consider the source of the ability and avoid using it when describing inherently developed skills, the phrase serves as an effective way to highlight external influences or events that led to the capability. Alternatives such as "granted the capacity" or "endowed with the faculty" can provide nuanced variations while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

granted the capacity

Emphasizes the act of bestowing a capability.

endowed with the faculty

Suggests a natural or inherent talent.

bestowed the power

Highlights the authority or influence received.

equipped with the skill

Focuses on the preparation and tools provided.

conferred the aptitude

Implies a formal or official granting of suitability.

invested with the talent

Suggests a deliberate placement of ability.

permitted the chance

Focuses on opportunity rather than inherent skill.

allowed the privilege

Highlights the special access afforded.

authorized the capacity

Indicates an official sanctioning of ability.

enabled with the potential

Emphasizes the unlocking of latent capabilities.

FAQs

How can I use "been given the ability" in a sentence?

Use "been given the ability" to indicate that someone or something has received a capacity or power. For instance, "The new software has been given the ability to analyze data more efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "been given the ability"?

Alternatives include "granted the capacity", "endowed with the faculty", or "bestowed the power", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "was given the ability" instead of "been given the ability"?

Both "was given the ability" and "been given the ability" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Was given" refers to a past event, while "been given" implies a state resulting from a past event that continues to the present.

What is the difference between "been given the ability" and "acquired the ability"?

"Been given the ability" implies that the ability was granted or provided by an external source, while "acquired the ability" suggests that the ability was gained through one's own efforts or learning.