developing the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developing the ability" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe the process of honing or improving a skill. For example, "The student has been developing the ability to solve complex math problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Developing the ability to predict what will and won't work.

Harvard University

Developing the ability to critique research is one important objective.

University of California, Berkeley

Homework is a useful tool for practice and for developing the ability to work independently.

The New York Times

What suggestions do you have for developing the ability to think strategically?

Harvard Business Review

This means developing the ability to quickly reallocate resources as needed.

Harvard Business Review

Western powers, however, suspect Iran is developing the ability to make nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

There is an upside to having travelled, such as developing the ability to recognize the many sides of a prism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another part of being visionary is developing the ability to articulate aspirations for the future and a rationale for transformation.

Harvard Business Review

Developing the ability to understand data's value, and contribution to outcomes, is an important part of delivering that value.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As they grow older, kids are also developing the ability to detect lies and to distinguish selfish from selfless ones.

University of California, Berkeley

These officials gave differing assessments of how successful the sabotage program was in slowing Iran's progress toward developing the ability to build nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "developing the ability", consider specifying the context or area where the ability is being developed to provide clarity and impact. For instance, instead of "developing the ability", try "developing the ability to think strategically".

Common error

Avoid using "developing the ability" in vague or general contexts. Always specify what ability is being developed to make your writing more precise and informative. For example, instead of saying someone is "developing the ability", specify that they are "developing the ability to solve complex problems".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developing the ability" functions as a noun phrase headed by the gerund "developing", modifying the noun "ability". It serves to describe the process of acquiring or enhancing a specific skill or competence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "developing the ability" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe the process of acquiring or enhancing a skill. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Found frequently in academic, news, and scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communications. To ensure clarity, specifying the ability being developed and avoiding overuse in vague contexts is recommended. Alternatives such as "cultivating the skill" or "enhancing proficiency" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivating the skill

Focuses on nurturing and growing a specific skill, implying a more deliberate and gradual process.

building competence

Implies constructing a solid and demonstrable ability, often through structured learning.

enhancing proficiency

Emphasizes improving the level of skill or competence, suggesting a focus on refinement.

improving capability

Highlights the enhancement of one's capacity to perform a task or function.

fostering competence

Highlights the creation of a solid foundation of skill, suitable for building upon.

advancing skills

Suggests a forward movement in skill level, implying progress and growth.

honing expertise

Implies refining an already existing skill to a high degree of precision.

mastering the art

Implies achieving a very high level of skill, especially in creative or technical fields.

acquiring the aptitude

Focuses on gaining a natural talent or capacity for something.

refining technique

Focuses on improving the specific methods used to perform a skill, suggesting a focus on detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "developing the ability" to describe the process of acquiring or improving a skill. For example, "Consistent practice is crucial for developing the ability to play the piano".

What are some alternatives to "developing the ability"?

Alternatives include "cultivating the skill", "enhancing proficiency", or "building competence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "developing the ability of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, it's often more concise to say "developing the ability to" followed by a verb. For instance, "developing the ability to learn" is more streamlined than "developing the ability of learning".

What's the difference between "developing the ability" and "having the ability"?

"Developing the ability" implies a process of growth and improvement, while "having the ability" suggests a state of already possessing that skill. One focuses on progression, the other on possession.