have the ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

"have the ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the capability of doing something or having the capacity or skill to do something. For example: I have the ability to solve complex problems quickly and efficiently.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have the ability to help people.

The New York Times

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

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

Women have the ability to give birth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have the ability to control it".

The New York Times

Do Arsenal have the ability to respond?

The Guardian - Sport

We have the ability to communicate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have the ability to" when you want to clearly and directly express someone's capacity or skill to perform a specific action. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice.

Common error

Avoid using "have the ability to" in very simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. For example, instead of "I have the ability to swim", simply say "I can swim".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have the ability to" functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate the capacity or skill to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have the ability to" is a versatile phrase used to express the capacity or skill to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its wide usage across various contexts. While common in both formal and informal settings, it's advisable to avoid overuse in simple sentences where more direct verbs are suitable. Alternatives like "be able to" or "be capable of" can be used for variety. The phrase finds frequent application in news, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its broad applicability in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be able to

A more concise way of expressing the same concept.

be capable of

Uses a different adjective to convey the capacity for something.

have the capacity to

Focuses on the inherent capacity or potential.

be competent to

Focuses on the adequacy of skills or knowledge.

be equipped to

Suggests having the necessary tools or resources.

possess the skill to

Emphasizes the skill or talent needed.

have the potential to

Highlights the possibility of developing the ability.

be in a position to

Highlights the favorable circumstances that allow action.

have what it takes to

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the necessary qualities.

be authorized to

Implies formal permission or right to do something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "have the ability to"?

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

Is it better to say "have the ability to" or "can"?

While both convey a similar meaning, "have the ability to" is often perceived as more formal and emphasizes the capacity or potential, whereas "can" is more direct and commonly used in everyday language.

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

You can use "have the ability to" to describe someone's skills or capabilities, such as "She has the ability to solve complex problems" or "They have the ability to adapt to changing situations".

What's the difference between "have the ability to" and "have the potential to"?

"Have the ability to" implies a current capacity or skill, while "have the potential to" suggests a future possibility of developing that skill or capacity. For example, "He has the ability to speak French" indicates he can already do it, whereas "He has the potential to become a great leader" suggests he could develop into one.