improve ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improve ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about improving one's ability to do something. For example, "Exercising regularly helps to improve my ability to run long distances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

We notice that minor alleles improve ability to distinguish multi-drug resistant (MDR) from extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis.

Nature

The results demonstrated that the introduction of Ga may improve ability of supports to immobilize metallocene catalyst.

Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry

The Alana Down Syndrome Center will pursue advances in science and technology to improve ability and inclusion for people with Down syndrome.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Primary goals are to improve ability to reason about design alternatives and apply modeling techniques appropriate for different development phases; understand how to gather and process customer information and transform it into engineering specifications; and use teamwork to resolve the challenges in designing and building a substantive product prototype.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Task 4. Incorporate citizen science to improve ability to gather, verify, quality control and sustainable community engagements on megafaunal sightings.

Duke University

Medications that might improve ability to breathe while sleeping may also impair sleep in other ways, so there must be careful management of decongestants, asthma controllers, and antihistamines.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Most important are the rewards manifested in improved ability to use your mind effectively.

Harvard Business Review

Some students already showed an improved ability to recognize errors since I had given the lecture.

University of California, Berkeley

In Group 2, residents demonstrated an improved ability to predict patient scores.

Stanford University

The efficiency gains largely came from an improved ability to handle employee turnover on project teams.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Anderson said his improved ability to make interceptions came from catching the ball with his hands instead of his body.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improve ability", specify the area or skill you're aiming to enhance for clarity. For example, instead of just saying "improve ability", say "improve ability to communicate effectively".

Common error

Avoid using "improve ability" without specifying the context. Saying 'The training aims to improve ability' is less effective than stating 'The training aims to improve the ability to analyze complex data sets'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improve ability" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of enhancing a particular capacity or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English, highlighting its role in conveying the idea of advancement or betterment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

Academia

26%

News & Media

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "improve ability" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of enhancing a skill or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It appears frequently in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts. For clearer communication, specifying the skill you want to enhance is recommended. The most common error is using it in a vague way without a clear context of what ability you want to improve. Related phrases like "enhance skill", "develop competence", and "boost capability" can be used as alternatives to provide nuanced meaning, while still maintaining grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhance skill

Focuses specifically on improving a skill, implying a more targeted development.

develop competence

Suggests a gradual process of building proficiency and expertise.

boost capability

Implies a rapid or significant increase in one's capacity.

refine proficiency

Highlights the act of making something more precise or polished.

hone talent

Emphasizes the careful and skillful improvement of a natural aptitude.

cultivate expertise

Suggests a deliberate and sustained effort to acquire specialized knowledge.

sharpen aptitude

Implies making an existing natural talent more acute and effective.

advance know-how

Focuses on progressing and expanding practical knowledge and skills.

augment capacity

Indicates an increase in the amount that something can contain or produce.

build prowess

Suggests accumulating superior skill or strength, often through training or experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "improve ability" to describe the act of enhancing a specific skill or capacity. For example, "Consistent practice can "improve ability" to solve complex problems".

What are some alternatives to "improve ability"?

Alternatives include "enhance skill", "develop competence", or "boost capability". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "improve ability" or "improve abilities"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "improve ability" is generally used when referring to a singular, specific capacity, while "improve abilities" refers to multiple capacities. The choice depends on whether you are referring to one particular skill or several.

What's the difference between "improve ability" and "enhance skill"?

"Improve ability" is a more general phrase, while "enhance skill" implies a more focused and specific enhancement of a particular skill. The terms are often interchangeable, but "enhance skill" suggests a narrower focus.