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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
develop the ability to perform
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The sentence is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are making a goal or outlining a plan of action, for example: "My goal for this year is to develop the ability to perform complex tasks efficiently."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(13)
acquire the skill to undertake
gain proficiency in conducting
cultivate the capacity to execute
foster the potential to achieve
build the competence to handle
enhance the aptitude for completing
develop the ability to meet
develop the ability to deliver
develop the ability to conduct
develop the ability to work
achieving the ability to perform
providing the ability to perform
provides the ability to perform
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
It is not clear whether the NSA managed to develop the ability to perform remote installation.
News & Media
Using the newly developed foraging task (Kristjánsson et al., 2014), we measured the foraging performance of children aged between 4 0 and 7 3 years, as previous studies suggest that between 6 and 7 years of age, children develop the ability to perform conjunction search (Hommel et al., 2004; Lobaugh et al., 1998; Merrill & Lookadoo, 2004).
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Nevertheless, over the last few years, crowd count analysis has evolved from earlier methods that are often limited to small variations in crowd density and scales to the current state-of-the-art methods that have developed the ability to perform successfully on a wide range of scenarios.
Science
Developing the ability to perform surgical procedures requires mastering complexity in multiple dimensions.
Even though it was introduced to me, when I first picked up Google Glass, I never developed the ability to perform it on command.
News & Media
You can actually develop the ability to do mathematics".
Science & Research
A new promising device, the Spritztube (ST), has been developed combining the ability to perform both supraglottic ventilation and orotracheal fibreoptic intubation using the same device.
The Outpatient Physical Therapy Improvement in Movement Assessment Log (OPTIMAL) is a self-report instrument developed to measure the ability to perform mobility actions.
Science
This included developing technologies such as the 'lab on a chip'--the ability to perform conventional processes, such as chemical synthesis, on a micro scale.
Science & Research
Young students and engineers in remote developing countries also have the ability to perform -- and, at times, outperform -- the ones who have degrees from elite institutions in the West.
News & Media
Multi-Generator (MGEN) which is developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory and provides the ability to perform IP network performance tests and measurements using User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and TCP IP traffic.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When setting goals, use "develop the ability to perform" to highlight the importance of learning and growing, not just achieving immediate results.
Common error
Avoid implying that performance is solely dependent on inherent talent. Frame goals around skill development and practice rather than solely relying on natural abilities, ensuring a more inclusive and achievable target.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "develop the ability to perform" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring or enhancing a specific skill or competence. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase suggests a focus on growth and learning, often in the context of achieving a specific goal or improving overall performance.
Frequent in
Science
35%
News & Media
33%
Academia
32%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "develop the ability to perform" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase expressing the intention to acquire or enhance a specific skill. Ludwig's analysis confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While the phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, it is crucial to frame its usage around continuous growth rather than innate talent. Remember to leverage this phrase when outlining goals, setting professional objectives, or emphasizing the importance of skills acquisition.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
cultivate the capacity to execute
Emphasizes a more nurtured and gradual growth of competence.
acquire the skill to undertake
Focuses on gaining a specific skill set required for a task.
gain proficiency in conducting
Highlights the achievement of a high level of competence.
foster the potential to achieve
Indicates nurturing an inherent capability towards accomplishment.
build the competence to handle
Stresses the construction and development of necessary skills.
enhance the aptitude for completing
Concentrates on improving a natural inclination for specific tasks.
hone the expertise to manage
Implies refining existing skills to a higher level.
grow the talent for fulfilling
Highlights the natural growth and expansion of innate talent.
master the art of executing
Focuses on achieving expertise and control in performing tasks.
expand the know-how to accomplish
Emphasizes broadening practical knowledge for task completion.
FAQs
How can I use "develop the ability to perform" in a goal statement?
You can use "develop the ability to perform" to frame skill-based goals, such as "My goal is to develop the ability to perform complex data analysis" or "This year, I want to develop the ability to perform public speaking confidently".
What are some alternatives to "develop the ability to perform"?
Consider alternatives like "acquire the skill to undertake", "gain proficiency in conducting", or "cultivate the capacity to execute", depending on the specific context.
Is it better to focus on "developing the ability" or "having the ability"?
Focusing on "developing the ability" emphasizes growth and learning, while "having the ability" implies a current state. The former is more suitable for goal-setting and personal development, while the latter describes an existing competence.
How does "develop the ability to perform" differ from "improve performance"?
"Develop the ability to perform" suggests building a skill from the ground up, while "improve performance" implies enhancing an existing skill or capability. The choice depends on whether you're starting anew or refining something already present.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested