gain the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'gain the ability' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to indicate that one has acquired a skill, knowledge, or capacity. For example: With hard work and dedication, I was able to gain the ability to speak Spanish fluently.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

You'll gain the ability to edit your video in existing editing programs.

The New York Times

"It takes time to gain the ability to trust when there has been no trust".

The New York Times - Sports

Once the cells gain the ability to form snowflakes, they become better adapted to multicellular life.

The New York Times - Science

The app can now automatically update and gain the ability to send SMS messages without asking you.

The Guardian - Tech

Farmers also gain the ability to save and sell excess fertilizer, creating an additional revenue source, he added.

The Guardian

Other players could take on some financial risk, but gain the ability to dictate the terms of their own exit.

The New York Times

In the restructuring, Liberty would gain the ability to issue common stock worth up to 49percentt of the company's value.

The New York Times

Those apps can now gain the ability to send SMS messages without prompting you — all the developer has to do is update the app.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some lost, or never gained, the ability to fly.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the Harvard Business School, I really felt I had gained the ability to resolve difficult issues.

The New York Times

Through its loan, the government gained the ability to reject G.M. transactions larger than $100 million.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gain the ability" when highlighting the acquisition of a new skill or capacity as a direct result of effort or circumstances. For example, "Through consistent practice, she gained the ability to speak fluent French."

Common error

Avoid using "gain the ability" when describing inherent traits or characteristics. It's more appropriate for acquired skills. For instance, instead of saying "He gained the ability to be tall", use "He is naturally tall".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain the ability" functions as a verb phrase that signifies the acquisition of a new skill, capacity, or power. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used and grammatically correct. The phrase typically connects an action (gaining) with a potential outcome (ability).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain the ability" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe acquiring a new skill or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its occurrence in varied sources like The New York Times, TechCrunch, and The Guardian demonstrates its broad applicability. While versatile, it's best suited for acquired skills rather than inherent traits. Alternative phrases like "acquire the skill" or "develop the capacity" can be used for nuanced meanings. Remember to use "gain the ability" when indicating the result of a deliberate effort or specific circumstance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acquire the capability

Replaces 'ability' with 'capability', focusing on potential rather than achieved skill.

Develop the capacity

Emphasizes the gradual growth of a specific potential.

Attain the skill

Highlights achieving expertise or proficiency.

Cultivate the talent

Implies nurturing an innate aptitude.

Secure the potential

Focuses on ensuring the availability of future possibilities.

Unlock the potential

Suggests revealing a pre-existing, hidden possibility.

Master the technique

Highlights achieving expertise in a method or process.

Procure the means

Emphasizes obtaining the resources or methods necessary to do something.

Realize the possibility

Focuses on making something conceivable actually happen.

Foster the competence

Promotes growth of required skill to perform effectively.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain the ability" to describe acquiring a new skill or capacity. For example, "After taking the course, I "gained the ability" to code in Python."

What's the difference between "gain the ability" and "acquire the skill"?

"Gain the ability" is a broader term that encompasses any new capacity, while "acquire the skill" specifically refers to gaining expertise in a particular area.

What can I say instead of "gain the ability"?

You can use alternatives like "develop the capacity", "acquire the skill", or "attain the skill" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "gaining the ability"?

Yes, "gaining the ability" is grammatically correct and can be used to describe the process of acquiring a new skill or capacity.