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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
foster the ability
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"foster the ability" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a form of the verb "to foster," which means to promote or encourage the development of something. You can use it any time you want to express the idea of helping something grow or develop. For example: Our school has a program designed to foster the ability of young students in mathematics.
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
"Experiences that ask a person to stretch personally or professionally may foster the ability to work in teams," Serrano says.
Science & Research
MAX1 hydrogels also foster the ability of the cells to attach to the hydrogel scaffold in the absence or presence of serum proteins.
Science
Child-centered interventions are intended to promote social, cognitive and emotional skills (empathy, improve anger and impulse management, foster the ability to establish relationships with other people (especially peers) and enhance communication skills) (2005, p.40).
The derepression of motility, adherence and invasion genes seen after exposure of Salmonella to RNS could foster the ability of Salmonella to colonize the small intestine.
Science
Ultimately this teaching could foster the ability to solve clinical problems and thus reduce the rather high number of wrong diagnoses in medicine [ 28].
Science
According to these authors, multivariate models of disease progression can also identify the factors that contribute to the variance and thereby foster the ability to stratify patients in clinical trials or to predict progression in individual patients.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
He defended Germany's policy on the grounds of fostering the ability "to peacefully interact with different values and different religions".
News & Media
At a meeting of the American Public Health Association in October, Dr. Jackson said, there were about 300 presentations on how the built environment inhibits or fosters the ability to be physically active and get healthy food.
News & Media
In addition to opening its purse strings, Congress also passed a series of laws that fostered the ability to profit from biotech discoveries.
News & Media
The projects are constructed in hopes of fostering the ability to think flexibly and learn on-the-fly, rather than try to predict what knowledge will be valuable.
News & Media
Findings from a baboon model of the disease using MV in animals of different GA to induce BPD pathology fostered the ability to study different stages of the disease as well as treatment settings with potential clinical relevance.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "foster the ability", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or conditions are promoting the development of that specific ability. Be specific about what you are fostering.
Common error
Avoid using "foster the ability" in overly broad contexts. Clearly link the fostering action to the specific ability being developed to maintain clarity and impact.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "foster the ability" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to promote the development of a specific skill or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies helping something grow. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from team science to education.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
17%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "foster the ability" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the promotion or encouragement of skill development. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it is found in both scientific and news media contexts, suggesting a versatile application. Related phrases like "cultivate the skill" or "develop the potential" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly link the action to the specific ability being developed.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
cultivate the skill
Emphasizes nurturing and refining a specific skill.
develop the potential
Focuses on unlocking inherent potential or talent.
encourage the aptitude
Highlights promoting a natural inclination or talent.
promote the capacity
Stresses increasing the general capability to do something.
nurture the talent
Implies carefully developing a specific talent.
strengthen the skill
Focuses on reinforcing an existing skill.
enhance the capability
Highlights improving an existing capability.
improve the competence
Stresses enhancing overall competence in a particular area.
facilitate the expertise
Implies making it easier to gain expertise.
build the proficiency
Focuses on gradually developing a high level of skill.
FAQs
How can I use "foster the ability" in a sentence?
You can use "foster the ability" to describe actions or conditions that help develop a particular skill or capacity. For example, "Educational programs should foster the ability to think critically".
What are some alternatives to "foster the ability"?
Alternatives include "cultivate the skill", "develop the potential", or "encourage the aptitude", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "foster ability" or "foster the ability"?
While "foster ability" can be used in some contexts, "foster the ability" is generally preferred when referring to a specific, identifiable ability. "Foster ability" is suitable for more general statements.
What is the difference between "foster the ability" and "develop the ability"?
"Foster the ability" implies creating an environment or providing support for the development of a skill, while "develop the ability" focuses more on the process of growth and refinement itself. They are often interchangeable, but "foster" highlights the supportive role.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested