my ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

"my ability to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to your capacity or capability to do something. For example, "My ability to make meaningful connections has helped me succeed in my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Would it affect my ability to think?

The New Yorker

It disabled my ability to breathe.

The Guardian - Film

Just my ability to realize some dreams".

The New York Times

It was beyond my ability to make".

The New York Times - Arts

I can't take for granted my ability to accomplish it.

The New Yorker

How? Size: it was out of my ability to manage.

The New York Times

What happened is a tragedy beyond my ability to process.

The New York Times

I think my spiritual gift is my ability to speak.

The New York Times

That limited my ability to draw sex to some degree".

The New Yorker

"But slowly I lost all my ability to work.

Independent

I think my ability to tolerate confusion has grown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my ability to" to clearly and directly state what you are capable of doing. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure your direct capabilities. Instead of saying "My ability to solve problems has been recognized", state directly, "My ability to solve problems enables me to..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my ability to" functions as a subject complement, introducing a noun phrase that specifies a particular skill or capacity. It is commonly used to describe one's competence or potential in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "my ability to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for articulating one's capabilities or skills. Ludwig's analysis, backed by numerous real-world examples, confirms its wide applicability across diverse contexts, especially in news media and scientific writing. To effectively utilize this phrase, ensure clarity by directly stating your capabilities and avoid passive constructions that obscure your agency. Considering alternative phrases like "my capacity to" or "my skill at" can provide subtle nuances in meaning and better fit your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my capacity to

Focuses on the inherent potential or maximum amount that can be done.

my capability to

Highlights the power or fitness to accomplish something.

my skill at

Emphasizes developed proficiency through practice.

my talent for

Implies a natural aptitude or gift.

my aptitude for

Suggests a natural inclination or suitability.

my competence in

Indicates a demonstrated level of skill and knowledge.

my potential to

Focuses on the unrealized possibility for future achievement.

my power to

Highlights the influence or control one has.

my chance to

Refers to an opportunity or possibility to act.

the degree to which I can

Expresses the extent or level of one's ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "my ability to" to describe a skill or capacity you possess. For example, "My ability to communicate effectively helps me in my role."

What are some alternatives to "my ability to"?

Some alternatives include "my capacity to", "my skill at", or "my capability to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "my ability to" or "my abilities to"?

"My ability to" refers to a general capacity, while "my abilities to" suggests multiple, distinct capabilities. The choice depends on whether you're discussing a single skill or a range of skills.

How does "my ability to" differ from "my potential to"?

"My ability to" implies a current, demonstrable skill. "My potential to", on the other hand, refers to a future, unrealized capacity.