existing abilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existing abilities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a person's current skills, talents, and aptitudes. For example: "The HR department is looking for candidates with existing abilities in software development and web design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Typically, it is the existing work force, with its existing abilities, on whom the new technologies are tried.

MIT Technology Review

A "growth mindset," on the other hand, thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of un-intelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities.

Independent

You can certainly start from square one and learn a whole new skillset, but it's going to be easier if you just leverage one of your existing abilities.

Forbes

Another reason to develop a side hustle is to learn new skills and sharpen existing abilities so that you'll be more competitive in a crowded job market.

Forbes

Gifted youth benefit from activities that enhance existing abilities and passions as well as those that develop creative attitudes and skills.

Duke University

It is still unclear which attitudes, cultures, emotions, behavioral rules or environmental stimuli prompt the ability to explore novel paths rather than exploit existing abilities.

Journal of Organization Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Our system provides a simple, intuitive and fast interface for creating rough animations that leverages our users existing ability to draw.

Stanford University

Later passages of the bill strike down the secretary of state's existing ability to direct and delegate to other health service bodies, while a so-called "hands off" clause enshrines the autonomy of the new commissioning consortiums.

The Guardian - Opinion

The existing ability for pensioners to take 25% of their pension pot tax-free at the point of retirement will remain, but the tax rate on drawdown of the remaining cash will be slashed from 55%to20%0% for most.

The Guardian

In this way they would not feel that they had to master elementary things they might consider an insult to their already existing ability to express themselves in conversational Russian as heritage speakers.

University of California, Berkeley

The House bill also calls for eliminating the existing ability of U visa holders to apply for permanent residency after three years, reducing the incentive for frightened victims to come out of the shadows.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Leverage "existing abilities" as a foundation for further training or development programs within an organization, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to build upon current strengths.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone's "existing abilities" automatically translate into future success or expertise in a related field. Acknowledge the need for continuous learning and adaptation, rather than relying solely on current skill sets.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing abilities" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'existing' acts as an adjective modifying 'abilities'. Ludwig AI shows that it specifies the skills or talents that someone currently possesses. This is supported by examples where the phrase is used to describe workforce capabilities and individual skillsets.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existing abilities" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term that refers to someone's current skills, talents and competency. As shown by Ludwig AI, it's prevalent in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using the term, avoid overstating potential based solely on current skills and acknowledge the need for continuous learning. Remember that while "existing abilities" highlight present capabilities, they are not necessarily indicative of future success without further development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

existing competency

Similar to existing abilities, but may emphasize demonstrated proficiency.

current skills

Focuses on skills rather than general abilities.

present capabilities

Emphasizes the current state of being capable.

established talents

Highlights already recognized talents.

ingrained skills

Implies skills that are deeply rooted or well-practiced.

pre-existing skills

Focuses on skills that were present before a certain point.

inherent aptitudes

Refers to natural inclinations or talents.

developed competencies

Highlights competencies that have been cultivated and improved.

available expertise

Emphasizes the readily accessible knowledge and skills.

on-hand skill sets

Stresses the immediate availability of certain skills.

FAQs

How do you use "existing abilities" in a sentence?

You can use "existing abilities" to refer to someone's current skills or talents. For example: "The training program is designed to build upon employees' "existing abilities" in data analysis".

What is a good substitute for "existing abilities"?

Alternatives to "existing abilities" include "current skills", "present capabilities", or "established talents", depending on the specific context.

Are "existing abilities" and "potential skills" the same?

"Existing abilities" refer to current skills and talents, while "potential skills" describe skills that someone has the capacity to develop in the future. They are related but not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "existing competency" and "existing abilities"?

"Existing competency" suggests a demonstrated level of skill and proficiency, whereas "existing abilities" refers more broadly to skills and talents that someone possesses. Competency often implies a proven track record.