have the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"have the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to show someone's capacity to do something. For example: "I have the ability to speak four different languages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have the ability.

The New York Times

Does it have the ability?

The Economist

We have the ability to help people.

The New York Times

They simply don't have the ability.

The New Yorker

And we have the ability to subpoena".

Encyclopedia Britannica

We have the ability to do it".

Independent

What organisms have the ability to regenerate?

The New York Times

"We know we have the ability.

The New York Times - Sports

They have the ability to concentrate.

The New York Times - Sports

He didn't have the ability to connect.

The New York Times

"We have the ability to change things.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have the ability", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is capable of. Avoid vague statements; specify the action or skill.

Common error

Be realistic about what someone or something "have the ability" to do. Avoid exaggeration or unsubstantiated claims of capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have the ability" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the subject's capacity or capability to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, demonstrating its role in expressing competence or potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have the ability" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express capacity or capability. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While "have the ability" maintains a relatively neutral formality, it is important to specify the action or skill to ensure clarity and avoid overstating capabilities. Alternatives like "be capable of" or "be able to" can be used for stylistic variation. With its high frequency and clear communicative purpose, mastering the usage of "have the ability" can greatly enhance your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be able to

A more concise and common way of expressing the same concept.

possess the capacity

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing potential rather than demonstrated skill.

be capable of

Uses a different verb structure to express the same idea of being able to do something.

be equipped to

Focuses on having the necessary resources or qualities for a task.

be competent to

Focuses on having the required skills or knowledge to perform a task effectively.

have the potential to

Highlights the possibility of achieving something, rather than current capability.

be in a position to

Emphasizes the circumstances that allow for a particular action.

command the skill to

Replaces "ability" with "skill" and emphasizes expertise.

have what it takes

An idiomatic expression that implies possessing the necessary qualities or attributes.

demonstrate the aptitude for

Highlights a natural talent or inclination towards something.

FAQs

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

You can use "have the ability" to describe someone's capacity to do something, like "She "has the ability" to learn quickly".

What are some alternatives to "have the ability"?

You can use alternatives such as "be capable of", "be able to", or "possess the capacity" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "have the ability" or "be able to"?

"Have the ability" is slightly more formal than "be able to", but both are generally acceptable in most contexts.

Which is correct, "have the ability to" or "have the ability of"?

"Have the ability to" is the more common and grammatically preferred construction. While "have the ability of" is not incorrect, it's less frequently used.