has limited ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has limited ability" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone or something's level of skill or capability in a particular area. Example: "The new employee has limited ability in using the company's computer system, so we will need to provide them with additional training."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because of this limitation, standard OCT has limited ability to detect RAMs.

BMC Ophthalmology

The United States currently has limited ability to defend against cruise missile threats.

The Washington Post

Without them, the United States has limited ability to build meaningful pressure against Iran.

The Washington Post

Cartilage has limited ability to self-repair due to the absence of blood vessels and nerves.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

This method is simple, but has limited ability to recreate detailed structures.

International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Adult mammalian heart has limited ability to regenerate and compensate for the loss of cardiomyocytes.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

We conclude from this year's data and other published work that the test has limited ability to support management decisions.

Cornell University

As the traditional credit score is based on historical credit behaviour, it has limited ability to predict someone's future behaviour.

The Guardian

Congress has limited ability to enforce its own subpoenas since the Justice Department controls prosecution decisions about criminal contempt charges.

The New York Times

However, the excitation light used has limited ability to penetrate tissue, which creates a stumbling block for its future development.

Drug Discovery Today

Objective Because articular cartilage has limited ability to repair itself, treatment of (osteo chondral lesions remains a clinical challenge.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has limited ability", be specific about the area of limitation to provide clarity. For instance, instead of saying "The software has limited ability", specify "The software has limited ability to process large datasets".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the limitation. Saying "completely unable" when "has limited ability" is more accurate can undermine your credibility. Ensure your description aligns with the actual degree of limitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has limited ability" functions as a descriptive qualifier, indicating a constraint or deficiency in someone or something's capabilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and prevalent in diverse written contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has limited ability" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe constraints or deficiencies in capability. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is widely applicable across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While versatile, it's crucial to be specific about the area of limitation and avoid exaggeration for clarity and credibility. Alternative phrases such as "has restricted capacity" or "is not fully equipped" can offer nuanced ways to express this limitation. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively communicate the scope and nature of limitations in your writing. When using "has limited ability", ensure that you provide enough context and avoid making overly broad or inaccurate statements about the extent of the limitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has restricted capacity

Focuses on a constraint in the total amount that can be contained or processed.

possesses inadequate skill

Points to an insufficient level of expertise or proficiency.

has reduced aptitude

Highlights a decreased natural talent or skill for something.

is hardly competent

Implies a near-absence of the required skills or knowledge.

is somewhat incapable

Emphasizes a degree of inability, suggesting a lack of complete competence.

lacks sufficient power

Denotes an absence of the needed strength or authority to perform a task.

faces certain constraints

Indicates limitations imposed by external factors or conditions.

is not fully equipped

Suggests a deficiency in the necessary resources or tools.

is relatively powerless

Highlights a state of lacking influence or control over a situation.

operates under limitations

Indicates that actions are performed while being affected by restrictions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "has limited ability" in a sentence?

You can use phrases like "has restricted capacity", "possesses inadequate skill", or "is not fully equipped" to express a similar idea.

What does it mean when something "has limited ability"?

When something "has limited ability", it means its capability or capacity in a specific area is not complete or sufficient. It implies a degree of inadequacy or restriction.

Which is more appropriate, "has limited ability" or "is completely unable"?

The choice depends on the context. "Has limited ability" is suitable when there's some capability, but it's not sufficient. "Is completely unable" should be used when there's no capability at all.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "has limited ability"?

The phrase "has limited ability" is appropriate in contexts where you want to express that something or someone is not fully capable or proficient in a particular area. It's often used in formal writing, scientific reports, news articles, and professional communications.