improving ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improving ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the enhancement or development of a particular skill or capability. Example: "The training program focuses on improving ability in critical thinking and problem-solving."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Collins said he thought the most significant development among the offensive linemen was their improving ability to identify defensive schemes like blitzes.

The New York Times - Sports

Her Congressional aides continued to churn out news releases outlining her positions and hold community meetings, and she and her husband gave an interview to ABC News in which she demonstrated her improving ability to speak.

The New York Times

In my experience, improving ability in ethical thinking requires a lot of give-and-take between real people.

Science Magazine

It is likely that the improving ability to synthesize long DNA sequences will accelerate the creation of novel functions from nucleic acids.

Current Opinion in Chemical Biology

The role of different system components in improving "ability to prime", estimating priming time and reducing ongoing maintenance costs is considered and used as the basis of the "Priming Focused Design" philosophy proposed in this paper.

Building and Environment

One reason for lower percentage of patients with complications could be our improving ability of early recognition and treatment for RCVS.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

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

The result would be an improved ability to both bend (resilience) and stretch (ingenuity).

The New York Times

One of these includes our improved ability to keep a record of small yet important moments.

The New York Times

Happily for consumers, and for Subaru, the new Impreza offers more than an improved ability to shun gas stations.

The New York Times

It will also have sharper resolution and a much improved ability to analyze x-ray spectra.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing skill development, use "improving ability" to highlight a positive change or advancement in a specific area. For example, "The course aims at "improving ability" in data analysis."

Common error

Avoid generic statements like "He is "improving ability"" without clarifying the specific skill or area of improvement. Instead, specify the skill, such as "He is "improving ability" in public speaking."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improving ability" functions as a noun phrase where "improving" acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "ability". According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It often serves as a subject or object in a sentence, describing the action of making a skill or capability better.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "improving ability" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the enhancement of a skill or capability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business. Key considerations include specifying the area of improvement and avoiding generic statements. Alternatives such as "developing ability" or "enhancing skills" can be used for variety. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for diverse professional and academic environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developing ability

Focuses on the process of growth and progression in one's ability.

enhancing ability

Emphasizes the amplification and strengthening of an existing ability.

refining ability

Suggests a process of making an ability more precise or polished.

honing ability

Implies sharpening and perfecting an ability through practice and experience.

advancing ability

Highlights the forward movement and progression of one's skill.

cultivating ability

Emphasizes the nurturing and development of an ability over time.

fostering ability

Suggests creating an environment that supports the growth of an ability.

strengthening ability

Focuses on making an ability more robust and resilient.

augmenting ability

Highlights the addition of new elements to enhance an existing ability.

perfecting ability

Implies reaching the highest level of skill and mastery.

FAQs

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

You can use "improving ability" to describe the process of enhancing a specific skill or capability. For example, "Consistent practice is essential for "improving ability" in a foreign language."

What are some alternatives to "improving ability"?

Alternatives include "developing ability", "enhancing ability", or "refining skills", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "improving ability" or "improving skills"?

Both "improving ability" and "improving skills" are correct, but "improving skills" might be more common in general usage. "Improving ability" is often used when referring to a specific, defined capability.

What's the difference between "improving ability" and "gaining ability"?

"Improving ability" implies that some level of skill already exists and is being enhanced. "Gaining ability" suggests acquiring a new skill where none previously existed.