left the ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left the ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the remaining capacity or capability to perform a certain action or task. Example: "The new software update left the ability to customize settings for advanced users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this place, isn't the last thing I have left the ability to decide what to do with my own life?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Though there's always the chance they could cash out and leave, the ability to sell a little stock and upgrade their lifestyle might keep employees happy enough to stick around.

TechCrunch

We suggest that flaxseed reduces, but may not completely eliminate, signals from the cortex that are involved in the proliferative phase of the process of branching morphogenesis, leaving the ability to differentiate intact, thereby revealing molecular targets that will provide the foundation for clinical intervention studies.

BMC Genomics

But there is also Yael, a Jewish girl whom merciless camp experimentation has left with the ability to change her appearance at will.

The Guardian - Books

That's all we have left -- the ability to yell".

The New York Times

WHEN the Space Shuttle made its final flight in 2011, America was left without the ability to fly people into space.

The Economist

The consumer is left without the ability to use the card if the retailer does not make this request or if the court denies the retailers' request.

The New York Times

March Madness is more distracting and enthralling than ever in the Twitter era — and to be left without the ability to mutter about "my bracket" for the next few weeks would be to enter a kind of social exile.

The New Yorker

When a chronically inept beagle (voiced by Jason Lee) suffers an accident in the lab of a loony scientist (Peter Dinklage), he's left with the ability to talk, fly and heal a wounded father-son relationship.

The New York Times

Apple also left in the ability to display a photo slideshow via a special composite video cable.

TechCrunch

Twitter, in the hope of making this process more streamlined, baked it into the service, but left out the ability to add your own commentary.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left the ability to", ensure the context clearly indicates what previously existed and how it changed. This clarifies the impact of the loss or retention of the ability.

Common error

Avoid using "left the ability to" without specifying the agent or cause that led to the change. Be specific about who or what caused the ability to remain or be lost to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left the ability to" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that, subsequent to some event or condition, the subject continues to possess a particular capacity or skill, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left the ability to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates the continuation of a particular capacity or skill following a change or event. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register and serves to convey information about retained capabilities. While alternative phrases like "retained the capacity to" or "maintained the capability to" exist, "left the ability to" emphasizes the persistence of a skill through changing circumstances. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the agent or cause leading to the retention of the ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retained the capacity to

Focuses on maintaining a specific capability.

maintained the capability to

Emphasizes the preservation of a skill or capacity.

preserved the option to

Highlights the keeping of a particular choice or opportunity.

lost the power to

Indicates a complete removal of a specific power or ability.

forfeited the chance to

Highlights the loss of an opportunity, often due to specific actions.

relinquished the right to

Implies a voluntary surrender of a right or entitlement.

gave up the ability to

Suggests a deliberate decision to abandon a capability.

remained capable of

Emphasizes the continuation of being able to do something.

continued to possess the skill to

Highlights the ongoing possession of a particular skill.

still had the option to

Indicates that an option remained available.

FAQs

How can I use "left the ability to" in a sentence?

You can use "left the ability to" to describe a situation where someone or something still has the capacity to do something. For example: "The new software update "left the ability to" customize settings for advanced users."

What are some alternatives to "left the ability to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "retained the capacity to", "maintained the capability to", or "preserved the option to".

Is it better to say "retained the ability to" or "left the ability to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Left the ability to" implies that a change occurred but the ability still remains, whereas "retained the ability to" simply indicates that the ability was kept.

What does "left the ability to" imply?

"Left the ability to" generally implies that after a specific event or change, the subject still possesses a particular skill or capacity. For example, "Despite the budget cuts, the team "left the ability to" innovate."