having the ability to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having the ability to use" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's skills or capabilities in relation to a specific tool, resource, or technology. Example: "She is having the ability to use advanced software tools effectively in her projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Having the ability to use data well is not a given; improving data literacy, from local to international level, must be prioritised by donors and governments in order to create lasting change.

The Guardian

Here he talks to several world specialists in polyglottery, asking simple but effective questions in an effort to define "multilingual" beyond, say, the definition in the American Heritage Dictionary: "Using or having the ability to use several languages".

The New York Times - Books

Simply having the ability to use Wi-Fi for the mobile's signal is a huge plus for T-Mobile.

TechCrunch

The novelty of the three techniques lies in the scheduler being energy aware, and having the ability to use BEM or TCoM when it is beneficial to the system in terms of energy consumption.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Both he and Hauser raved about having the ability to use an iPhone, iPad or laptop to record how they are spending their time or to look up important information while on the go.

Forbes

Or 20 years ago, having the ability to use what we now take for granted called the "Internet" to read articles, such as the one you are reading.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We now have the ability to use computers to help us break down complex processes, and to insert human judgment where computers need help.

Huffington Post

The National Endowment for the Arts has confirmed its planning grant to us; now we have the ability to use it.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's not a matter of us saying we're not going to have the ability to use our anti-dumping laws," Mr. Evans said.

The New York Times

"If you have a knife you have the ability to use it," he said.

The Guardian

Concord growers now have the ability to use mechanical crop thinning to maximize crop potential.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "having the ability to use" to clearly convey the capacity to operate or handle a specific tool, technology, or resource. This phrasing emphasizes both the possession of skill and the permission or access to utilize something.

Common error

Avoid using "having the ability to use" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "The software is having the ability to use by the team", prefer "The team has the ability to use the software". This makes the sentence more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having the ability to use" functions as a modifier, typically clarifying the capacity or competence associated with a subject or object. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples in the provided sources show it specifying the capabilities of individuals, systems, or tools.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having the ability to use" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for conveying the capacity, skill, or permission to employ something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives like "being able to use", it offers a formal tone suitable for news, academic, and professional contexts. Its function is to clarify capabilities, and it often appears in discussions related to technology, resources, and skills. Remember to avoid passive constructions and consider more concise alternatives when appropriate to enhance clarity and directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of using

Emphasizes competence and skill in using something.

able to utilize

Focuses on the act of making something useful.

having the capacity to utilize

Similar to the original, but uses "capacity" instead of "ability" which sounds more formal.

equipped to use

Stresses the availability of necessary tools or resources.

in a position to employ

Highlights the opportunity and readiness to use something.

empowered to use

Suggests that someone has been given the authority or means to use something.

with the potential to use

Focuses on the future possibility of using something.

authorized to use

Indicates that someone has official permission to use something.

having access to use

Focuses on the accessibility of something for use.

free to use

Implies that there are no restrictions on using something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "having the ability to use" for variety?

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

What's the difference between "having the ability to use" and "being able to use"?

"Having the ability to use" emphasizes the possession of a skill or capacity, whereas "being able to use" simply states the capability. The former can sometimes imply a more developed or inherent skill.

Is it more formal to say "having the ability to use" or "being able to use"?

"Having the ability to use" is generally considered more formal than "being able to use". In formal writing, you might also consider "capable of using".

How to use "having the ability to use" in a sentence?

Example: "She is "having the ability to use" advanced software tools effectively in her projects." You can also say "She is "capable of using" advanced software tools effectively in her projects".