endangering the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "endangering the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or situations that threaten or compromise someone's or something's capacity to function or perform effectively. Example: "The pollution in the river is endangering the ability of local wildlife to thrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Seeds, genes and technology once shared are now often patented by companies and universities, endangering the ability of the centers to distribute seeds free to poor farmers.

The New York Times - Science

With Iran threatening to cut off about a fifth of the world's oil supply by closing the Strait of Hormuz and unrest in Iraq endangering the ability to increase production there, financial analysts say prices for two important oil benchmarks will average from $100 a barrel to $120 a barrel in 2012.

The New York Times

In recent years, however, a big change is endangering the ability these populations have developed to adapt and survive in their own environment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"This so-called personhood bill would have endangered the ability of Virginians to get the medical help they need to build their families," Mr. Tipton said.

The New York Times

Presumably the Paul sign-holder thinks rule 16 endangers the ability of upstarts to steal the show.

The New York Times

You don't make the world a better place by endangering the lives of women or diminishing their ability to prevent unwanted or unintended pregnancies.

Huffington Post

If a large financial institution should ever fail, this reform gives us the ability to wind it down without endangering the broader economy.

Huffington Post

Many deals flopped, sometimes endangering the firm.

The Economist

Inverliffey burned fiercely, endangering the lifeboats.

Wikipedia

It says the provision would endanger the group's ability to provide services in the state.

The New York Times

If allowed to stand, the $145 billion award would endanger the industry's ability to continue paying the state, providing money that helps subsidize legislators' favorite projects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "endangering the ability", ensure the context clearly defines whose or what's ability is being threatened. Specificity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "endangering the ability" in situations that are only mildly inconvenient or represent a minor setback. This phrase is most effective when describing a significant and potentially irreversible compromise of capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "endangering the ability" functions as a verb phrase, where "endangering" is a present participle acting as a verb, and "the ability" is the direct object. Ludwig's examples confirm that this phrase is used to describe situations where a capability is being put at risk.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "endangering the ability" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations where a skill, capacity, or power is being put at risk. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from various sources, predominantly news and media. While not overly common, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of potential harm or diminishment of a specific capability. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the entity whose ability is being threatened. Consider alternatives like "jeopardizing the capacity" or "compromising the potential" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jeopardizing the capacity

Replaces "endangering" with "jeopardizing" and "ability" with "capacity", both synonyms conveying a similar sense of risk.

compromising the potential

Substitutes "endangering" with "compromising" and "ability" with "potential", highlighting the act of weakening future possibilities.

threatening the capability

Uses "threatening" in place of "endangering" and "capability" instead of "ability", both offering a slightly more forceful tone.

undermining the power

Replaces "endangering" with "undermining" and "ability" with "power", suggesting a gradual weakening of influence or strength.

impairing the faculty

Employs "impairing" to mean weakening and "faculty" as a more formal alternative to "ability".

risking the aptitude

Swaps "endangering" for "risking" and "ability" for "aptitude", emphasizing the chance of losing a natural skill.

jeopardizing the wherewithal

Uses "jeopardizing" instead of "endangering" and replaces "ability" with "wherewithal", which refers to the necessary means or resources.

imperiling the means

Substitutes "endangering" with "imperiling" and "ability" with "means", focusing on the resources needed to achieve something.

weakening the competence

Replaces "endangering" with "weakening" and "ability" with "competence", highlighting a decline in skill or effectiveness.

diminishing the capacity

Employs "diminishing" to signify a reduction in strength or effectiveness and "capacity" instead of ability.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "compromising the potential" or "jeopardizing the capacity", which offer a similar meaning but with a heightened level of formality.

What are some synonyms for "endangering" when talking about someone's ability?

Synonyms for "endangering" in this context include "jeopardizing", "threatening", "undermining", and "compromising". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "endangering the ability" differ from "limiting the ability"?

"Endangering the ability" suggests a risk of completely losing or severely impairing a capability. "Limiting the ability", on the other hand, implies a restriction or reduction in the extent or scope of that capability, but not necessarily a risk of total loss.

Is it correct to say "endangering to the ability" instead of "endangering the ability"?

No, the correct phrasing is "endangering the ability". The preposition "to" is not appropriate in this construction. "Endangering" directly acts upon the noun phrase "the ability".