independent ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "independent ability" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to the capacity of someone to do something without the need for help or guidance. For example, "Her independent ability to solve problems quickly impressed her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But a 2009 opinion from the FISC also made clear that the agency's official overseers had little independent ability to monitor whether the rules were being followed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The scope of the agency's powers, in particular, whether it should have independent ability to write and enforce rules, has been a point of bitter contention.

The New York Times

As Cameron said, The government really needs to have its own independent ability to go down there and image the site, survey the site and do its own investigation and monitor it.

The New Yorker

Under Texas law, the governor only has the independent ability to grant a one-time 30-day reprieve to a condemned prisoner; he can commute a death sentence, as Mr. Bush has done once, but only if the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommends that action.

The New York Times

If in most societies masculine rites of passage are organized around puberty and the onset of the reproductive years, in a materialistic culture, the transition to adulthood is best marked by the stirrings of an independent ability to select and consume.

The New York Times

This study was designed to evaluate this policy and to determine the independent ability of initial serum beta-hCG titers and trend of serum beta-hCG titers in the prediction of successful expectant management.

Gynecological Surgery

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The court added that jurors awarded less than the $140 million Ms. Gilbert asked for, proving that "they were exercising their independent abilities to reason".

The New York Times

These findings suggest that the tests measure relatively independent abilities.

Child Neuropsychology

In the same study it is suggested that binding of desmoglein to the toxin and cleavage are independent abilities [ 8].

BMC Veterinary Research

The olfactory bulb demonstrates a transient but remarkable SVZ-independent ability for compensation and maintenance of the calretinin interneuron population.

Plosone

Specifically, we sought [28] to identify secreted factors that might account for the contact-independent ability of endodermal cell lines to support myocardial differentiation.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's capacity to perform a task without assistance, use "independent ability" to clearly convey their self-reliance.

Common error

While "independent ability" is generally correct, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Consider synonyms like "autonomous capacity" or "self-sufficient competence" for nuanced expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "independent ability" functions primarily as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to specify the quality of being able to do something autonomously. Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "independent ability" is a commonly used phrase to describe the capacity to perform tasks autonomously. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in science, news, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, consider synonyms like "autonomous capacity" or "self-reliant skill" to add variety to your writing. Avoid overuse in overly formal contexts. Remember that Ludwig provides numerous examples to guide you in proper usage, making it an invaluable tool for refining your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

autonomous capacity

Replaces 'independent' with 'autonomous', emphasizing self-governance in capability.

self-reliant skill

Substitutes 'ability' with 'skill' and 'independent' with 'self-reliant', highlighting the self-sufficiency aspect.

self-sufficient competence

Replaces "ability" with "competence" and "independent" with "self-sufficient", focusing on the capacity to function without external help.

individual aptitude

Emphasizes the personal nature of the skill, replacing 'ability' with 'aptitude'.

personal capability

Focuses on the individual's capacity, using 'personal' instead of 'independent'.

self-directed expertise

Highlights the self-guided nature of the skill, substituting 'ability' with 'expertise'.

resourceful talent

Emphasizes the ability to find solutions independently, using 'resourceful' instead of 'independent'.

self-determining power

Focuses on the capacity to decide and act independently, using 'power' instead of 'ability'.

self-governing faculty

Highlights the self-regulation aspect of the skill, replacing 'ability' with 'faculty'.

standalone proficiency

Emphasizes the ability to perform without external assistance, using 'standalone' instead of 'independent'.

FAQs

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

You can use "independent ability" to describe someone's capacity to perform tasks without help. For example, "The program aims to foster the students' "independent ability" to solve complex problems".

What are some alternatives to saying "independent ability"?

Alternatives include "autonomous capacity", "self-reliant skill", or "self-sufficient competence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "independent ability" and "independent capabilities"?

"Independent ability" typically refers to a singular skill or capacity, while "independent capabilities" suggests a broader range of skills. The best choice depends on whether you're describing a specific skill or a general set of skills.

When is it appropriate to use "independent ability" in writing?

It's suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize someone's self-reliance and capacity to function without external assistance, such as in educational, professional, or medical settings.