limited ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

"limited ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone's capacity or capability to do something. For example, "He has a limited ability to do complex calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"And they had a limited ability to repay.

The New Yorker

We have limited ability to do cost cutting".

The New York Times

"We could be in a world," Mr. Sack said, "where workers will have limited ability to negotiate higher pay and companies will have limited ability to raise prices".

The New York Times

"But the gangs have a limited ability to adapt to this," Mr. Rosenthal said.

The New York Times

Afghan authorities have limited ability to maintain order and ensure security.

The New York Times

To some extent, the World Bank's limited ability to change governments is built into the institution.

The New York Times - Arts

Regulators have limited ability to identify such trusts and foundations and monitor them.

The New York Times

They cautioned, however, that they had a limited ability to be certain of that.

The New York Times

Simons: N.G.O.s have had a limited ability to influence the decisions of average Chinese consumers.

The New Yorker

They also have limited ability to customize the site to their liking.

The New York Times

Steel companies have only a limited ability to exploit the Internet via, say, B2B exchanges.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific skill, follow "limited ability to" with a verb that clearly articulates the action or task in question. For instance, "limited ability to analyze complex data" is more specific than "limited ability to understand data".

Common error

Avoid using "limited ability to" as a vague placeholder for deeper issues. Instead of simply stating "limited ability to adapt", specify the context, such as "limited ability to adapt to new technologies" to provide more clarity and actionable insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limited ability to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a restriction or deficiency in the capacity to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI states, it describes someone's capability to do something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "limited ability to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a restriction or deficiency in someone or something's capacity to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for expressing a constraint in various contexts. Its frequency is notable across news media, science, and other professional fields. Alternatives such as "restricted ability to", "constrained ability to", and "scant ability to" can be used to convey similar meanings with subtle variations. When using the phrase, it's important to be specific about the skill being described and avoid overgeneralization for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restricted ability to

Emphasizes a formal or imposed constraint on capability.

constrained ability to

Highlights limitations due to specific circumstances or conditions.

scant ability to

Indicates a notably deficient or minimal level of capability.

limited capacity to

Focuses on the restricted volume or extent of someone's capability.

reduced capacity to

Highlights the shrinking or diminished capability over time.

inadequate ability to

Stresses the insufficiency or lack of necessary capability.

poor ability to

Emphasizes the low quality or substandard level of capability.

marginal ability to

Highlights the barely sufficient or minimal level of capability.

weak ability to

Implies a frail or easily compromised level of capability.

deficient ability to

Focuses on the lack of an essential or required capability.

FAQs

How can I use "limited ability to" in a sentence?

Use "limited ability to" to describe a specific constraint or deficiency in someone's capacity to perform a particular action. For instance, "The patient has a "limited ability to" walk without assistance".

What are some alternatives to "limited ability to"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "restricted ability to", "constrained ability to", or "scant ability to".

Is it more formal to say "limited ability to" or "small ability to"?

"Limited ability to" generally conveys a more neutral and professional tone compared to "small ability to", which might be perceived as more informal or even dismissive. Choose based on your intended audience and context.

What's the difference between "limited ability to" and "lack of ability to"?

"Limited ability to" suggests some degree of capability exists, though not at a desired level. "Lack of ability to", on the other hand, implies a complete absence of the skill or capacity in question.