has the ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has the ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to express that someone or something is capable of doing something. For example: "This new technology has the ability to revolutionize the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"She has the ability to do it.

The New York Times - Sports

But Pablo has the ability to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

Andrés has the ability to do both.

The Guardian - Sport

He has the ability to become HUGE!

The Guardian

"He has the ability to do that".

The New York Times - Sports

He has the ability to play someplace.

The Guardian - Sport

Every jumper has the ability to have a massive jump.

The Guardian - Sport

And he has the ability to do that.

The New York Times

He has the ability to cover guys in the slot.

The New York Times - Sports

This state has the ability to decide this close election.

The New York Times

He believes Jornet has the ability to set the F.K.T.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing potential, consider replacing "has the ability to" with stronger verbs like 'can', 'will', or 'may' to create a more direct and impactful statement.

Common error

Avoid using "has the ability to" when a simpler verb like "can" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has the ability to" functions as a modal expression, indicating the capacity or potential for someone or something to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its usage is demonstrated through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has the ability to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote capability or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted and understood. While versatile, consider stronger verbs or more concise phrasing for directness. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Science contexts. Although correct, avoiding overuse will improve clarity. Opt for alternatives such as "is capable of" or "can" for a more impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can

A simple and widely understood modal verb to indicate ability.

is capable of

Emphasizes inherent capacity or competence.

is able to

A more concise and direct way of expressing capability.

possesses the capacity to

Highlights the inherent capacity within something or someone.

is equipped to

Suggests readiness and the necessary resources for a task.

is in a position to

Implies having the right circumstances or authority.

is empowered to

Suggests having been given the power or authority to do something.

retains the power to

Suggests having the control and dominance to perform an action.

is predisposed to

Highlights a natural inclination or tendency towards something.

is designed to

Emphasizes the intention behind a system or item to perform an action.

FAQs

How can I use "has the ability to" in a sentence?

You can use "has the ability to" to express that someone or something is capable of doing something. For example, "This technology "has the ability to" revolutionize the industry".

What are some alternatives to "has the ability to"?

You can use alternatives like "is capable of", "is able to", or "can" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "has the ability to"?

Yes, "has the ability to" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. However, consider whether a more concise phrasing might be more effective.

When should I use "has the ability to" instead of "can"?

While "has the ability to" is correct, "can" is often a more direct and concise option. Use "has the ability to" when you want to emphasize the inherent capacity or potential, rather than simply stating a possibility.