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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
has low ability
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "has low ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks skill or competence in a particular area. Example: "The student has low ability in mathematics, which is why they struggle with the subject."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
When a person has low ability and low motivation, triggers will not work.
News & Media
CS glutaraldehyde (GA)–HRP not only has low ability to remove EBBR, but also the enzymatic activity of HRP could not be separated from the dye adsorption on CS.
Science
Taken together, the experiments in the present study indicate that the fetus has low ability to glucuronidate BPA.
Although we observed the expression of other UGT isoforms, such as UGT1A1, UGT1A6, and UGT1A7, in the fetus, the results of the UGT activity assay strongly suggested that the fetus has low ability to metabolize BPA due to a deficiency in UGT2B1.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
All teachers assessed themselves as having low ability of teaching.
These materials have low ability to adsorb or store oxygen at low temperatures [5].
Science
These results suggested that the peptides generated after hydrolysis by GE had low ability in scavenging H2O2.
It was very important to improve health equity by enabling disadvantaged groups who have low ability to pay to obtain equal entitlement.
For example, questions' are easy when the sample of students used in the analysis have high ability, and questions are difficult when the sample of students have low ability (De Ayala 2009).
Science
End users generally have low ability to pay for global health technologies, which generally have small markets.
Science
Third, fetal liver microsomes have low ability to metabolize BPA to BPA-GA, as supported by the low expression of UGT2B1 in the fetus.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "has low ability", be specific about the context or area where the lack of ability is evident to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The student has low ability in mathematics" is clearer than "The student has low ability."
Common error
Avoid using "has low ability" as a blanket statement without specifying the skill or area of competence. Instead of saying "He has low ability", clarify with "He "has low ability" in project management", to provide a more accurate and helpful assessment.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "has low ability" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically attributing a lack of competence or skill to a subject. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Encyclopedias
1%
Reference
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "has low ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a lack of skill or competence in a particular area. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. Analysis reveals that it commonly appears in scientific and news-related contexts. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to specify the area of deficiency to avoid ambiguity and overgeneralization. Alternatives like "lacks proficiency" or "struggles with" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Overall, "has low ability" serves as a straightforward way to describe a deficit in capability.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
lacks proficiency
Replaces "ability" with "proficiency", emphasizing a lack of skill or expertise.
is not very skilled
Uses a more descriptive phrase, highlighting the lack of skill directly.
has limited competence
Substitutes "ability" with "competence", suggesting a restricted capacity to perform effectively.
is deficient in
Indicates a lack or shortage in a particular skill or area.
struggles with
Focuses on the difficulty experienced due to a lack of ability.
is not adept at
Replaces "ability" with "adept", indicating a lack of natural talent or skill.
performs poorly in
Emphasizes the substandard performance resulting from low ability.
is weak in
Highlights the area of weakness due to limited ability.
demonstrates inadequacy in
Uses more formal language to express a lack of sufficient skill or ability.
is incapable of
Indicates a complete lack of ability to perform a task.
FAQs
What does it mean to say someone "has low ability"?
Saying someone ""has low ability"" means they lack proficiency or competence in a particular area or skill. It suggests they struggle to perform tasks effectively due to this deficiency.
Which is more appropriate, "has low ability" or "lacks skill"?
"Has low ability" and "lacks skill" are similar, but "lacks skill" is often more direct and concise. The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.
How can I improve my "low ability" in a certain area?
Improving a "low ability" typically involves targeted practice, seeking guidance or mentorship, and focusing on incremental improvements. Identify specific weaknesses and address them systematically.
What are some less direct ways to describe someone who "has low ability"?
Instead of saying someone ""has low ability"", you could say they "struggle with", "find it challenging to", or "are still developing their skills in" a particular area. These phrases are often more empathetic.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested