evolved the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evolved the ability" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to describe the development of a skill or capability over time, but it requires a preposition or additional context to be grammatically correct. Example: "Over millions of years, species evolved the ability to adapt to their environments."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We alone evolved the ability for language.

The New York Times - Books

It is possible that dinosaurs evolved these colors before they evolved the ability to fly.

The New York Times - Science

By three billion years ago, some microbes had evolved the ability to carry out photosynthesis.

The New York Times - Science

Oh, I know, we recently evolved the ability to digest milk sugar.

The New York Times - Science

Linyphiid spiders have evolved the ability to disperse long distances by a process known as ballooning.

Ecological Modelling

Antimicrobial resistance refers to infections that have evolved the ability to withstand drugs that ought to stop them.

The Washington Post

In the case of microbes, we imagine that a microbial population has evolved the ability to manipulate its partner.

Nature

Shigella flexneri has evolved the ability to modify host cell function with intracellular active effectors to overcome the intestinal barrier.

Harvard University

Nature has evolved the ability to assemble a variety of molecules into functional architectures that can specifically bind cellular ligands.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

Billions of years ago, in Earth's primordial oceans, a few species of bacteria evolved the ability to photosynthesize, drawing sustenance from water, carbon, and sunlight.

The New Yorker

The finding shows that parasitic fungi evolved the ability to control the creatures they infect in the distant past, even before the rise of the Himalayas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the evolution of a skill or capability, use more grammatically sound phrases such as "developed the ability to", "gained the ability to", or "evolved the capacity for" to ensure clarity and correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "evolved the ability" without a preposition or additional context. This phrasing is grammatically incorrect and can confuse readers. Always clarify what the ability is 'for' or 'to do' to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evolved the ability" functions as a verb phrase describing the development of a particular capability. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it requires a preposition (like 'to' or 'for') to be grammatically correct. The presence of "the" indicates a specific ability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "evolved the ability" is frequently used across various sources, it's grammatically questionable without a clarifying preposition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it needs to be followed by "to" or "for" to be considered correct. Its primary function is to describe how a capacity has developed, often in the context of scientific and evolutionary discussions. For improved clarity and grammatical accuracy, particularly in formal writing, consider alternatives like "developed the capacity", "gained the skill", or "acquired the potential". Despite its common usage, prioritizing grammatical correctness will enhance your writing's credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developed the capacity

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", offering a subtle shift in describing potential.

gained the skill

Focuses on the acquisition of a specific skill, rather than a general ability.

acquired the potential

Emphasizes the potential that was gained through evolution.

obtained the aptitude

Highlights a natural inclination or talent that has evolved.

cultivated the talent

Implies a more active and nurtured development of an ability.

established the competence

Focuses on achieving a recognized level of proficiency.

achieved the wherewithal

Highlights the resources or means necessary to accomplish something.

fostered the knack

Suggests a natural or acquired dexterity in doing something.

perfected the art

Emphasizes mastery and refinement in a specific area.

honed the technique

Implies focused improvement and skill enhancement over time.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the idea of "evolved the ability" in a sentence?

To use the idea correctly, rephrase it with a preposition, such as "evolved the ability to" or "evolved the ability for". For example, "They "evolved the ability to fly"" is grammatically sound.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "evolved the ability"?

Consider using alternatives like "developed the capacity", "gained the skill", or "acquired the potential" for clearer and more grammatically correct phrasing.

Is it better to say "evolved the ability" or "developed the ability"?

"Developed the ability" is generally preferred over "evolved the ability" in formal writing because it avoids the grammatical ambiguity of the latter. Always ensure your phrasing includes a preposition or context to clarify the evolved capability.

Which is correct: "evolved the ability to fly" or "evolved the ability flying"?

"Evolved the ability to fly" is the correct form. The infinitive form "to fly" clearly indicates the purpose or function of the evolved ability, whereas "flying" is grammatically awkward in this context.