gain an ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain an ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of acquiring a new skill or capability. Example: "Through practice and dedication, she was able to gain an ability to speak multiple languages fluently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Through the acquisition by Mr. Allbritton, Capital New York will gain an ability to increase the staff and, as Mr. Benson and Mr. McGeveran put it in an editors' note to readers, "be much more ambitious than ever before about our editorial mission, which is to be a primary source of reporting for knowledgeable readers on the workings of the greatest city in the world".

The New York Times

Another aim of programming education is to understand how computers are used in our daily lives and gain an ability to apply computers in one's own life.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

"Organizations that combine contract management with artificial intelligence gain an ability to explicitly trade off considerations of risk, cycle time, cost and negotiation outcomes," Krappe told TechCrunch.

TechCrunch

As students develop an understanding of basic building blocks, they gain an ability to recombine Invention Kit components in an infinite number of ways as they design and construct their own inventions.

Smart Learning Environments

"Peptide molecules are key components in these regulation systems". He added that the team did not simply wish to gain an ability to switch these systems on and off but also wanted to find out whether they could manipulate the rate at which the feedback systems operate.

BBC

These observations suggest that CMS-induced cells gain an ability to survive under prolonged metabolic stress.

Cell Death and Disease

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I also gained an ability to manage diversity.

The Economist

He speculated that, in his lab, the bacteria gained an ability to swim fast at the expense of some other trait that they need in nature.

The New York Times - Science

Instead, he gains an ability to regenerate.

Forbes

As Evelina's thinking becomes less reactive and automatic, she gains an ability to survive and overcome situations that pose unremitting threats to her female virtue.

Johns Hopkins University

It is a great transition for people who are unsure of what they want to do with their careers or feel under-qualified to pursue a real internship". "I feel I've gained an ability to connect my abstract knowledge to an actual problem, and use it to deliver something useful and productive to a client". "Participating in Data+ definitely changed my perception of Data Science research.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain an ability", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific ability is being acquired. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "gain an ability" in overly general contexts. Always specify the nature of the ability being gained to prevent ambiguity and enhance clarity. For example, instead of saying "He gained an ability", specify "He gained an ability to speak Spanish fluently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain an ability" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the acquisition of a new skill or competence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It connects a subject (person, organization, etc.) with the action of acquiring a new capacity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gain an ability" is a grammatically correct and widely applicable expression used to describe the acquisition of a new skill or competence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, with frequent appearances in news, scientific, and academic writing. While interchangeable with phrases like "acquire a skill" or "develop a capability", it's essential to specify the nature of the ability to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. This guidance aims to help writers use the phrase effectively and accurately in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire a skill

Focuses specifically on acquiring a defined skill.

develop a capability

Emphasizes the development of a broader capability or capacity.

achieve competence

Highlights reaching a satisfactory level of skill or knowledge.

attain proficiency

Highlights reaching a level of expertise or skill.

master a technique

Implies a high level of skill and control over a specific technique.

cultivate expertise

Suggests a deliberate and gradual process of developing expertise.

foster an aptitude

Focuses on nurturing a natural inclination or talent.

secure an advantage

Shifts the focus to gaining a beneficial position or edge.

pick up a knack

Suggests acquiring a skill quickly and easily.

earn the capacity

Emphasizes gaining a capacity through effort or merit.

FAQs

How can I use "gain an ability" in a sentence?

You can use "gain an ability" to describe acquiring a new skill or competence, as in "Through practice, she "gained an ability" to solve complex problems".

What are some alternatives to "gain an ability"?

Alternatives include "acquire a skill", "develop a capability", or "attain proficiency", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "gain an ability" or "acquire an ability"?

Both "gain an ability" and "acquire an ability" are correct, but "acquire a skill" might be more suitable when referring to a specific, defined skill, while "gain an ability" can apply to a broader range of competences.

What is the difference between "gain an ability" and "improve an ability"?

"Gain an ability" suggests acquiring a new competence, whereas "improve an ability" implies enhancing an existing one. For example, you "gain an ability" to speak a new language, but you "improve an ability" to play the piano.