developed the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"developed the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone has acquired a new skill or knowledge. For example, "Through hard work and dedication, he developed the ability to speak three languages fluently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She's the one who's developed the ability to smell every bin within a six-mile radius.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Over the years, he has developed the ability to disarm jaded donors.

The New Yorker

"Marc-André has developed the ability to not let two bad games become three bad weeks".

The New York Times - Sports

"They will have developed the ability to communicate within a team with credibility.

The Guardian

I have developed the ability to work with young, grieving families and most times not become emotional.

The Guardian

"I think I developed the ability to make really boring and mundane things actually interesting," she told me.

The New Yorker

Humans developed the ability to digest lactose into adulthood, for example, only as a consequence of keeping cows.

The New Yorker

Over the past five months that question is one that has developed the ability to paralyse me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lotz's irrational thoughts have not disappeared, Marder says, but he "has developed the ability to deal with it".

The New Yorker

Over the years I have developed the ability to decipher and absorb complex, multicoloured transit maps in mere minutes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is only since he began campaigning, he said, that he has developed the ability to sleep in flight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill that emerged as a result of specific circumstances or adaptations, use "developed the ability" to highlight the adaptive nature of the skill. This is particularly relevant in scientific or evolutionary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "developed the ability" when referring to talents or skills that are naturally present from birth. This phrase is most appropriate when describing capabilities that are acquired or improved over time. For innate skills, use expressions like "possesses a natural talent" or "has an inherent aptitude".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developed the ability" functions as a verbal phrase followed by a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb. It signifies the acquisition of a new capability or skill. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is used correctly and appropriately in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "developed the ability" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the acquisition or enhancement of a skill. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and common across various contexts, especially in News & Media and scientific domains. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a learning process, distinguishing it from innate talents. For more formal situations consider alternatives such as "acquired the skill" or "attained proficiency". Be mindful of potential errors like confusing it with innate abilities. Overall, "developed the ability" is a useful phrase for effectively communicating how skills are gained and improved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquired the skill

Focuses on gaining a specific skill, implying a more deliberate learning process.

gained the capacity

Emphasizes the potential or inherent capability that has been unlocked or increased.

cultivated the talent

Suggests a nurturing or refining process to develop an innate talent.

mastered the art

Implies a high level of proficiency and expertise in a particular area.

honed the skill

Focuses on refining and perfecting an existing skill through practice and experience.

built the expertise

Highlights the construction of knowledge and skills over time, often through formal training or study.

enhanced the capability

Emphasizes the improvement and strengthening of an existing ability.

fostered the aptitude

Suggests the creation of an environment that encourages the development of a natural inclination.

achieved the competence

Indicates a satisfactory level of skill or knowledge, often related to meeting specific standards or requirements.

attained proficiency

Highlights the successful reaching of a high degree of skill or expertise through focused effort.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "developed the ability" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "acquired the skill", "gained the capacity", or "attained proficiency". These options emphasize accomplishment and expertise.

Is "developed the ability of" grammatically correct?

While grammatically understandable, using "developed the ability to" is more concise and common. The "of" is usually omitted for better flow and readability. For example: "She developed the ability to speak French" is preferable to "She developed the ability of speaking French".

What's the difference between "developed the ability" and "has the ability"?

"Developed the ability" implies a process of learning or improvement over time, suggesting that the skill was not initially present. "Has the ability" simply indicates that someone currently possesses the skill, without specifying how it was acquired.

How to use "developed the ability" in a sentence?

You can use "developed the ability" to describe how someone acquired a new skill. For example: "Through years of practice, she "developed the ability" to play the piano beautifully". You can also use it in scientific contexts, such as "Humans "developed the ability" to digest lactose into adulthood".