language ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "language ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's capacity for speaking, writing, or understanding a language. For example, "Joanne has an impressive language ability - she speaks three languages fluently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Language ability is a key factor.

The New York Times

I describe my language ability in percentages of fluency.

The Guardian

The system is based on exam scores, including one on Chinese language ability.

The New York Times

When students are not confident about their language ability they are not able to actively contribute in classroom discussions.

The Guardian

We know they decorated their graves, we think they probably had language ability, we don't know if they had souls.

The Guardian - Books

"It is not a matter of insufficient language ability or that they are a public threat," he said.

The New York Times

The new formula would apportion money to schools based on the characteristics of its students, including income and language ability.

The New York Times

By the time of the attack, the lack of language ability within the intelligence community had become scandalous.

The New York Times

"It is entirely consistent with natural selection that humans would possess a language ability," Dr. Bloom said.

The New York Times - Health

"My sense is that language ability has dropped a lot in the last 10 years," Professor Gladney said.

The New York Times

Many basic factory jobs also require little skill, training, or language ability, which means that most adults can perform them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "language ability", be specific about the skills you're referring to, such as reading, writing, speaking, or comprehension, to provide a clearer picture of someone's competence.

Common error

Avoid assuming that strong skills in one area of language (e.g., reading) automatically translate to proficiency in others (e.g., speaking). It's more accurate to specify strengths and weaknesses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "language ability" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the capacity, skill, or competence a person possesses in using a language for communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "language ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that denotes competence in a language. As Ludwig AI validates, it is appropriate for various writing contexts, notably science, news, and formal communication. The phrase's versatility allows for its integration into discussions about assessment, skill evaluation, and factors influencing language learning. When using "language ability", consider specifying the language skills involved to provide more precise information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

linguistic competence

Focuses on the underlying knowledge of language rules and structures.

language proficiency

Emphasizes the degree of skill and fluency in a language.

fluency in language

Highlights the ability to speak or write a language easily and articulately.

command of language

Suggests a high level of control and mastery over a language.

language expertise

Indicates specialized knowledge and skill in a particular language.

bilingual aptitude

Specifically refers to the natural ability to learn and use two languages effectively.

conversational skill

Focuses on the ability to engage in spoken communication in a language.

literacy skills

Pertains to the ability to read and write in a language.

verbal communication skills

Emphasizes the broader capacity to communicate effectively through spoken language.

written communication skills

Emphasizes the broader capacity to communicate effectively through written language.

FAQs

How is "language ability" typically measured?

"Language ability" can be assessed through various methods, including standardized tests, self-assessments, and evaluations of specific skills like reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Each method offers a different perspective on overall competence.

What factors can influence a person's "language ability"?

Numerous factors can impact "language ability", including educational background, exposure to the language, learning disabilities, and individual aptitude. Understanding these influences can help tailor language learning approaches.

What's the difference between "language ability" and "language proficiency"?

While often used interchangeably, "language ability" generally refers to a person's overall capacity to use a language, while "language proficiency" specifically indicates the level of skill and fluency achieved in that language.

How can I improve my "language ability"?

Improving "language ability" involves consistent practice, immersion in the language, and targeted skill development. Techniques include reading extensively, engaging in conversations, and focusing on specific areas where improvement is needed.