expanded the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expanded the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the enhancement or increase of a particular skill, capacity, or capability in a specific context. Example: "The new training program expanded the ability of employees to work collaboratively across departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

For video technology expanded the ability to make moving images as well as to consume them.

The Guardian - Film

Only 5 enacted laws that expanded the ability for public educators to arm themselves at school.

The New York Times

In a victory for privacy groups, a federal court struck down parts of an order that expanded the ability of law enforcement agents to monitor cell phone conversations.

The New York Times

The administration has expanded the ability of employers to claim religious or moral objections to the Affordable Care Act's requirement that they offer employees insurance coverage for contraception.

The New York Times - Health

Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques have expanded the ability to investigate brain abnormalities in patients with a wide variety of mental illnesses, eliminating the need for postmortem studies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A federal appeals court struck down many of the new technical standards imposed on telephone companies that had broadly expanded the ability of law enforcement agencies to eavesdrop on the phone calls of criminal suspects.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

We're also trying to expand the ability to read out from the brain.

The Guardian

And that expands the ability of the Constitutional Court to review laws.

The New York Times

Despite Congressional resistance, the spending measure also expands the ability of large media companies to acquire more television outlets.

The New York Times

Or the bizarre step the Pentagon has taken to expand the ability of the military to intervene in state and local matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

The additional protocol is a supplement to the treaty that substantially expands the ability of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations nuclear monitoring agency, to check for clandestine nuclear facilities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expanded the ability", ensure the context clearly defines what the ability is and what specific benefit or outcome resulted from the expansion. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "expanded the ability" in vague contexts. Instead of saying "Technology expanded the ability to communicate", specify who can communicate how, such as "Technology expanded the ability of remote teams to collaborate in real time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expanded the ability" functions as a verbal phrase that typically modifies a noun, indicating an increase or enhancement in a particular capability or skill. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expanded the ability" is a versatile expression used to describe the enhancement or increase of a particular skill or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While suitable for various writing styles, it is crucial to specify what the ability is and what benefits resulted from its expansion to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "enhanced the capacity" or "increased the capability" can be used to add variety. Its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhanced the capacity

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" emphasizing the potential to perform or produce.

increased the capability

Uses "capability" instead of "ability", highlighting the power or fitness to do something.

boosted the potential

Emphasizes the increase in possible future performance or achievement.

amplified the power

Suggests a significant increase in influence or control.

widened the scope

Focuses on increasing the range or extent of what is possible.

extended the reach

Highlights the expansion of influence or effectiveness.

improved the competence

Stresses enhancement of skills and proficiency.

advanced the proficiency

Emphasizes progress in skill or expertise.

cultivated the talent

Implies nurturing and developing an existing skill.

fostered the skill

Indicates promoting the growth or development of a particular aptitude.

FAQs

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

You can use "expanded the ability" to describe how a specific skill or capacity has been enhanced or increased, for example, "Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques have "expanded the ability" to investigate brain abnormalities".

What are some alternatives to "expanded the ability"?

Alternatives include "enhanced the capacity", "increased the capability", or "boosted the potential" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "expanded the ability of" or "expanded the ability to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Expanded the ability of" is typically followed by a noun phrase (e.g. "expanded the ability of law enforcement"), while "expanded the ability to" is followed by a verb (e.g. "expanded the ability to monitor").

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

"Expanded the ability" suggests enhancing an existing capability, while "developed the ability" implies creating a new one or building upon a basic skill.