develop the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"develop the ability" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it in a variety of ways, such as to suggest the advancement of one’s skills; for example: "He is working hard to develop the ability to speak Spanish fluently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To develop the ability to ask the right questions.

The New York Times

Scientists have long debated whether any other species can develop the ability to learn human language.

The New York Times - Science

It just means that you have to develop the ability to say no politely.

The New York Times

Participants often develop the ability to notice and talk about power and how it is exercised.

The Guardian

It is not clear whether the NSA managed to develop the ability to perform remote installation.

The Guardian - Tech

This suggests H7N9 could develop the ability to spread easily between people.

The Economist

So the purpose of mindfulness and meditation is to develop the ability to quiet the mind at will.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The goal was to help Macedonia develop the ability to conduct peacekeeping and carry out joint exercises with NATO.

The New York Times

I didn't develop the ability to do that overnight: it took time and I wish I'd started earlier".

The Guardian

One challenge for screenwriter Mark Bomback was to show why the apes needed to develop the ability to speak.

The Guardian

Avoiding something tempting once will help you develop the ability to resist other temptations in the future.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "develop the ability" when emphasizing a process of gradual improvement and acquisition of a new skill or capability. It highlights the effort and progress involved in gaining competence.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing how someone "develops the ability". Instead of saying "The ability was developed", specify who is actively developing the ability: "He is working hard to develop the ability to speak Spanish fluently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop the ability" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger verb phrase to express the action of acquiring or enhancing a particular skill or capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop the ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of acquiring or enhancing a skill. As Ludwig AI points out, it is versatile and applicable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, consider the specific skill being developed and the gradual nature of its acquisition. Alternatives like "acquire the skill" or "cultivate the skill" can provide nuanced variations, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire the competence

Stresses gaining proficiency and expertise in a specific area.

build the expertise

Concentrates on gradually constructing a high level of skill and knowledge.

cultivate the skill

Focuses on nurturing and refining a skill through dedicated effort.

sharpen the skill set

Suggests improving and refining one's existing skills to a higher level.

master the technique

Implies gaining complete control and understanding of a particular technique.

foster the capacity

Emphasizes creating an environment conducive to growing one's inherent capacity.

hone the craft

Suggests refining and perfecting a particular skill or art.

enhance the aptitude

Highlights improving one's natural inclination or talent for something.

nurture the talent

Highlights caring for and developing one's innate abilities.

grow the potential

Focuses on maximizing inherent capabilities and possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "develop the ability" in a sentence?

You can use "develop the ability" to describe the process of acquiring a new skill or improving an existing one. For example, "Mindfulness helps "develop the ability" to quiet the mind".

What are some alternatives to "develop the ability"?

Alternatives include "acquire the skill", "cultivate the skill", or "enhance the capacity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "develop the ability" or "improve the ability"?

"Develop the ability" is used when referring to the initial process of acquiring a new skill, while "improve the ability" is more suitable when referring to enhancing an existing skill.

What's the difference between "develop the ability" and "gain the ability"?

"Develop the ability" implies a gradual process of learning and refinement, whereas "gain the ability" suggests a more sudden or definitive acquisition of a skill.