increasing the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increasing the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the enhancement or improvement of a particular skill, capacity, or capability. Example: "The new training program is focused on increasing the ability of employees to adapt to changing technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ironically, however, the role transparency plays in increasing the ability of the populace to mobilize may discourage coups.

The Washington Post

Thus, it is also possible that Vc kills cancer cells by increasing the ability of TET1 to induce DNA demethylation.

Nature

Mr. Khan attributes this to the plastic's tendency to act as a binding agent, thereby increasing the ability of bitumen to hold together at higher temperatures.

The New York Times

"Imagine total transparency to data across entire organizations, increasing the ability to make rapid decisions," he said, describing the ability to reach out and virtually touch an analytic.

The New Yorker

Studies have also shown that spirituality plays a beneficial role in helping prevent illness, increasing the ability to cope and improving outcomes.

The New York Times

He said that TPI had also improved a method for increasing the ability of fiberglass to withstand compression, so bolts could be inserted without weakening the structure.

The New York Times

Dig deeper: As the threat of terrorism is increasing, the ability of Western security agencies to defeat it is declining (Jan 2015) Could Voltaire be Muslim?

The Economist

And at any age, even in people over 100, weight training improves the size and quality of muscles, thus increasing the ability to function independently.

The New York Times

The City Council passed a law aimed at increasing the ability [pdf] of minority- and women-owned businesses to compete for city contracts in 2005.

The New York Times

Dirk has run projects focusing on increasing the ability of advocates and activists in many marginalised communities to use digital technologies, and has also contributed to several of Tactical Tech's toolkits and guides.

The Guardian

Future trade agreements negotiated through 2007 can only be approved or rejected by Congress as they stand (no amendments allowed), vastly increasing the ability of the administration to negotiate trade deals with foreign nations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, specify the exact ability you are referring to. For example, instead of just saying "increasing the ability", specify "increasing the ability to analyze data".

Common error

Avoid using "increasing the ability" without a clear context or a specific goal. Vague statements can weaken your message. Instead, define what concrete improvements will result from the increased ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasing the ability" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun to describe the action of enhancing a specific skill or capacity. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "increasing the ability" functions as a gerund phrase denoting the action of enhancing a skill or capacity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While versatile, clarity is enhanced by specifying the exact ability you're aiming to improve. Common contexts include science, news and media, and formal business settings. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and use this phrase with purpose to strengthen your message. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively incorporate "increasing the ability" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhancing the capability

Uses the term 'capability' as a synonym for 'ability', offering a slightly more formal tone.

broadening the ability

Focuses on expanding the scope or range of an existing ability, rather than simply enhancing it.

raising the ability

Emphasizes elevating the level of an ability, suggesting a move to a higher standard or degree.

augmenting the ability

Suggests supplementing an existing ability to make it more complete or effective.

gaining the ability

Highlights the acquisition of a new ability, implying that it was previously absent.

sharpening the ability

Implies refining an ability to make it more precise or focused.

optimizing the skill

Focuses on maximizing the effectiveness or efficiency of a specific skill.

boosting the potential

Shifts the focus to the potential for future ability, rather than the current state.

fostering the capacity

Emphasizes the nurturing or development of an inherent capacity over time.

cultivating the aptitude

Suggests carefully developing a natural aptitude or talent.

FAQs

How can I use "increasing the ability" in a sentence?

You can use "increasing the ability" to describe the process of enhancing a particular skill or capacity. For example, "The workshop aims at increasing the ability of participants to communicate effectively."

What are some alternatives to "increasing the ability"?

Some alternatives include "enhancing the capability", "boosting the skill", or "sharpening the skill", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "increase ability" or "increasing the ability"?

While "increase ability" can work in some contexts, "increasing the ability" is often more grammatically sound when used as a gerund phrase, particularly when describing an ongoing process or aim.

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

"Increasing the ability" generally refers to making an ability greater in magnitude or scope, while "improving the ability" suggests making it better in quality or effectiveness. They can often be used interchangeably, but the nuance differs.