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Discover LudwigSuggestions(5)
The phrase "had the ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past situation in which someone possessed the capacity to do something. For example: "He had the ability to solve difficult problems quickly."
Exact(53)
He had the ability to see well.
He had the ability to touch hearts".
He had the ability to draw an audience into him".
He said he alone had the ability to prevent that.
"I had the ability to get things done".
"The voice had the ability to draw attention," he said.
Similar(5)
We have the ability to help people.
"She has the ability to do it.
But Pablo has the ability to do that.
And we have the ability to subpoena".
We have the ability to do it".
More suggestions(18)
left the ability to
had the fitness to
had the opportunity to
had the readiness to
had the competency to
had the comprehension to
gave the ability to
had the talent to
had the leadership to
considered the ability to
had the abilities to
incorporated the ability to
towards the ability to
had the opportunities to
given the ability to
achieved the ability to
removed the ability to
authorities the ability to
Write better and faster with AI suggestions while staying true to your unique style.
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