ongoing ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ongoing ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous or persistent skill or capability that someone possesses over time. Example: "Her ongoing ability to adapt to new challenges has made her an invaluable team member."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It cost Monica something much more immeasurable: her dignity, her privacy, her ongoing ability to be unrecognized in public for sex she had 17 years ago (and counting) and a lot of her ability to trust people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Third is the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson's youthful side demolishing Arsenal 8-2, as if to send a signal about the club's ongoing ability to compete with the cream of Europe on the field.

The Guardian - Sport

"Due to the long-term approach taken by the Group and its sole shareholder, the value of our portfolio of assets and investments, and improving economic conditions, there is every reason to be confident about the future of GMG and, most importantly, its ongoing ability to support the Guardian's journalism".

The Guardian

But it is the film-makers' ongoing ability to recalibrate dramatic conflict as a means of pursuing consequence rather than resolution that plays a larger part in what makes it one of the defining Australian dramas since the turn of the century.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

My favourite is Borderline in North Laine, which has psychedelic posters on the walls, an intelligently-compiled stock of everything from jazz and world music to krautrock and punk, lots of CDs for a fiver and beautiful, spendy vinyl reissues that represent a clear and present danger to my ongoing ability to pay my mortgage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Trader Joe's, "your neighborhood grocery store," was also a chosen for its ongoing ability to find and offer high-quality products at great prices.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Change is already ongoing: the ability to charge higher undergraduate fees since 2012, for instance, has already enabled universities to spend more on their economic departments.

The Economist

Although humanitarian interventions are ongoing, our ability to respond quickly and effectively with high impact has been undermined significantly due to the deteriorating security conditions," said Balslev-Olesen.

Unicef

Human twin studies have suggested that there is a substantial genetic component underlying nicotine dependence, ongoing smoking and ability to quit.

Biochemical Pharmacology

According to our taxonomy, key factors influencing the sustainability of CBC programs include the availability of ongoing funding, the ability of the program to adapt to local contexts and to replicate itself in new settings, and high staff retention levels.

Global Health Action

An ongoing revolution in the ability to transport museum objects safely around the world would also be key, he said.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ongoing ability", ensure it clearly links to a specific skill or capability, avoiding vagueness. For instance, instead of saying "the company's ongoing ability", specify "the company's ongoing ability to innovate".

Common error

Avoid using "ongoing ability" as a generic filler. Instead, identify the specific skill or capability you're describing. For example, instead of saying "the project's ongoing ability to succeed", clarify with "the project's ongoing ability to adapt to changing market conditions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ongoing ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "ongoing" serves as an adjective modifying the noun "ability". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting a continuous or persistent capability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ongoing ability" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a continuous or sustained capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal business documents to scientific articles and news reports. When employing this phrase, it is essential to link it to a specific skill to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. While alternatives like "continuous capability" or "sustained competence" exist, "ongoing ability" remains a versatile and effective choice for expressing persistent skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuous capability

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the capability.

sustained competence

Highlights the maintained level of skill or knowledge.

consistent aptitude

Focuses on the unwavering natural talent or skill.

uninterrupted capacity

Underscores the continuous nature of the capacity.

lasting potential

Stresses the enduring nature of the potential.

continued proficiency

Highlights the maintained level of expertise.

perpetual skill

Emphasizes the never-ending quality of the skill.

enduring talent

Focuses on the lasting nature of the talent.

maintained capability

Highlights the fact that the capability is actively maintained.

unwavering skill

Focuses on the firm and steady nature of the skill.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "ongoing ability" in a sentence?

To effectively use "ongoing ability", link it to a specific skill or capability. For example, "The team's "ongoing ability" to adapt to new technologies ensures its continued success".

What are some alternatives to "ongoing ability"?

You can use alternatives like "continuous capability", "sustained competence", or "consistent aptitude" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "ongoing ability" and "potential ability"?

"Ongoing ability" refers to a current, demonstrable skill. "Potential ability" refers to a skill that someone or something may develop in the future.

What's the difference between "ongoing ability" and "innate talent"?

"Ongoing ability" implies a developed skill through practice, while "innate talent" suggests a natural, inborn aptitude.