constructive ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"constructive ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a person's capability to build, create, or come up with ideas. For example, "John's constructive ability is reflected in the success of his business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

His constructive ability was remarkable, so was his industry.

The New York Times

Although Pamuk demonstrates the patience and constructive ability of the nineteenth-century fabricators and their heirs Proust and Mann, his instinctive affinity lies with the relatively short-winded Calvino and Borges, philosophical artificers of boxes within boxes.

The New Yorker

Destination dispatch, strictly speaking, was introduced eighteen years ago, by Schindler, the Swiss conglomerate, but a version of it was developed in the thirties, by the A. B. See Elevator Company, founded by the noted anti-feminist A. B. See ("If the world had had to depend on the inventive and constructive ability of women, we should still be sleeping on the plains").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Five apractic subjects were tested with both visuo-spatial and verbal tasks requiring constructive abilities.

Neuropsychologia

Eight cognitive domains are most commonly impaired in AD memory, language, perceptual skills, attention, constructive abilities, orientation, problem solving and functional abilities.

Wikipedia

It comprises items testing orientation, attention, memory, language and constructive abilities.

BMC Geriatrics

Here, we demonstrate constructive abilities of the new approach based on confidence domains technique.

BioMed Research International

It comprises items that test orientation, attention, memory, language and constructive abilities.

BMC Geriatrics

Study variables were as follows: (a) copy accuracy: quality of the copy as a reflection of visuo-constructive ability; (b) delayed recall: accuracy of the figure after the 20 min delay.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The exceptions are tests of memory and visuo-constructive ability.

Fluids and Barriers of the CNS

Patients show impairment in several domains, including memory, attention, executive functions, manual dexterity, psychomotor speed, and visuo-constructive ability [ 2- 13].

Fluids and Barriers of the CNS

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to positively contribute to a project or team, using "constructive ability" can effectively highlight their capacity to build and create solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "constructive ability" when general competence or skill is meant. Reserve it for situations where the specific skill of building, creating, or problem-solving is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constructive ability" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of skill or aptitude. As Ludwig AI points out, it refers to the capability to build, create, or come up with ideas. It modifies an individual's capacity to contribute positively.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constructive ability" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes the capacity to build, create, or develop solutions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its frequency is rare, but it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it is more commonly used in professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the specific skill of building or creating, and consider alternatives like "creative capacity" or "building aptitude" depending on the context. Ludwig also offers additional examples and resources for understanding its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creative capacity

Focuses more on the generation of new ideas rather than the ability to build or implement them.

building aptitude

Emphasizes the practical skill of constructing or creating something tangible.

inventive skill

Highlights the capability to invent or devise new and original things.

problem-solving skills

Focuses on the ability to find solutions to complex issues, a component of constructive work.

innovative talent

Highlights the talent for introducing new methods, ideas, or products.

developmental skill

Focuses on the ability to contribute to growth or advancement.

formative power

Highlights the capacity to shape or influence the development of something.

productive capacity

Emphasizes the capability to generate output or results.

creative ingenuity

Suggests a clever and original approach to creating or solving problems.

designing capability

Focuses specifically on the ability to create designs or plans.

FAQs

How can I use "constructive ability" in a sentence?

You can use "constructive ability" to describe someone's capacity to build, create, or develop solutions. For example, "Her constructive ability was instrumental in completing the project successfully."

What are some alternatives to "constructive ability"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "creative capacity", "building aptitude", or "innovative talent".

Is "constructive ability" a formal or informal phrase?

"Constructive ability" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "constructive ability" and "creative ability"?

"Constructive ability" emphasizes the capacity to build or implement, while "creative ability" focuses more on generating new and original ideas. The two are often related but not interchangeable.