his ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"his ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a person's capacity to do something. For example, "Jack demonstrated his ability to solve complex problems when he found a way to fix the computer system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"His ability is obvious.

Independent

Despite this, his ability shone.

Independent

He's never doubted his ability.

The New York Times

This showed his ability to compartmentalise.

Independent

His ability to motivate is beyond question.

Independent

His ability on the ball is exceptional.

Independent

His ability to waste money was spectacular.

The Economist

Among them: his ability to see.

The New York Times

The beating erased his ability to draw.

The New York Times

It wasn't just his ability.

The Guardian - Sport

"His ability is too weak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "his ability" to highlight a specific strength or characteristic relevant to the topic at hand, enhancing the persuasive power of your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "his ability" without providing specific examples or evidence. General statements lack impact and credibility. Instead of saying "His ability is impressive", specify what he can do well: "His ability to solve complex problems is impressive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his ability" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It refers to the capacity, skill, or talent that a male person possesses. Ludwig confirms this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "his ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to a male individual's capacity or skill. As verified by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, though particularly prevalent in news and media sources. To enhance clarity and impact, it's best to provide specific details about the ability being discussed. While alternatives like "his skill" or "his talent" exist, "his ability" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice. Remember to avoid overuse of generalities and support your statements with evidence. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his capability

Replaces "ability" with a synonym emphasizing potential or inherent capacity.

his skill

Focuses specifically on acquired proficiency through practice or training.

his talent

Highlights a natural aptitude or innate gift for something.

his proficiency

Emphasizes competence and mastery in a particular area.

his competence

Stresses the adequacy and qualification for a task or role.

his aptitude

Highlights a natural inclination or potential for learning a specific skill.

his expertise

Suggests specialized knowledge and skill in a particular field.

his capacity

Refers to the potential or maximum amount that someone can do.

his potential

Focuses on the undeveloped ability or future capability.

his forte

Indicates something at which someone excels.

FAQs

How can I use "his ability" in a sentence?

You can use "his ability" to describe a person's capacity or skill. For example, "His ability to lead motivated the team" or "The coach recognized his ability to adapt quickly to changing game situations".

What are some alternatives to saying "his ability"?

Alternatives include "his skill", "his talent", "his expertise", or "his capacity". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "his ability in" or "his ability to"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different usages. "His ability to" is followed by a verb (e.g., "His ability to learn"). "His ability in" is followed by a noun or gerund (e.g., "His ability in mathematics").

How does "his ability" differ from "his potential"?

"His ability" refers to a demonstrated or existing skill, while "his potential" refers to an undeveloped or future capacity. One describes what someone can already do, and the other what they might be able to do in the future.