gave the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of providing someone or something with the capability to do something. Example: "The new software update gave the ability to users to customize their settings more easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The new strictures, he said, gave "the ability to be openly in favor of transferring people but unable to do it, because of the law".

The New Yorker

Existing Scout clients will still be able to use the product at the same affordable prices, but now its application will gave the ability to include much more data for clients.

TechCrunch

In the first weekend more than 200,000 people used the product - "it gave the ability to send emails to all those people who said the market size was limited," Zach quips, unable to suppress a smile.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I think I was given the ability to do it".

The New York Times - Sports

A man on crutches is given the ability to walk (and dance).

The New York Times - Arts

'It's really given the ability for people to meet in a non-dating site.

The Guardian

But should cars be given the ability to intervene, as well as simply monitor?

The Guardian

- bet_state - The user is given the ability to enter his/her bet for the individual hand.

Cornell University

- bank_state - The user is given the ability to enter his/her bankroll for game play.

Cornell University

FITS Web Service - A web application that gives the ability to deploy FITS as a service.

Harvard University

Constituents other than shareholders could be given the ability to choose representatives involved in decision making.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gave the ability", ensure the context clearly specifies what was enabled and for whom. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "gave the ability" when the context implies mere opportunity rather than actual empowerment. For instance, providing access to resources doesn't automatically "give the ability" if training or support is lacking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave the ability" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the act of conferring or granting a specific capability or power. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and describes providing someone with the means to accomplish something. Examples show it used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gave the ability" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate the act of providing someone with a specific capability or power, as validated by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare, it appears across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and science. Alternative phrases like "provided the capacity" or "granted the power" offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis. When using "gave the ability", clarity is key; ensure the context specifies what was enabled and for whom. Avoid using it loosely when only an opportunity, not an actual capability, was provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided the capacity

Replaces "gave" with "provided" and "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing the supply of a capability.

granted the power

Substitutes "ability" with "power", highlighting the authorization or strength conferred.

bestowed the aptitude

Uses more formal synonyms "bestowed" for "gave" and "aptitude" for "ability", increasing formality.

conferred the skill

Replaces "ability" with "skill", focusing on a learned or developed capacity.

enabled the potential

Shifts the focus to unlocking a latent possibility rather than an existing capacity.

authorized the capability

Emphasizes the official permission or sanctioning of a capability.

equipped with the means

Focuses on providing the necessary resources or tools to achieve something.

endowed with the facility

Uses more sophisticated vocabulary to convey the idea of natural talent or ease.

imparted the competence

Highlights the transfer of a specific and measurable level of proficiency.

allowed the option

Changes the sense to providing a choice or possibility, rather than a concrete ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "gave the ability" to describe how someone or something empowered another, like: "The new software "gave the ability" to users to customize their settings more easily."

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

Alternatives include "provided the capacity", "granted the power", or "bestowed the aptitude", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "gave the ability to"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. For example, "The training "gave the ability" to the employees to handle complex tasks efficiently".

What's the difference between "gave the ability" and "provided an opportunity"?

"Gave the ability" implies endowing someone with the means to do something, while "provided an opportunity" simply suggests a chance to do something. The former ensures capability, the latter only offers a possibility.