own abilities

USAGE SUMMARY

"own abilities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to one's own talents and skills. For example, "John is a quick learner and has a lot of faith in his own abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our own abilities are our greatest assets.

The New York Times

And be honest about your own abilities.

The New York Times - Travel

Have faith in your own abilities.

The Guardian

A greater sense of their own abilities to effect change".

The Guardian

He has enough confidence in his own abilities.

The Guardian

"But we have belief in our own abilities.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not as if Sparks doesn't rate his own abilities.

The Guardian - Film

Increasingly, the president seems to believe in his own abilities.

The Economist

Tuckness relies on that and his own abilities.

The New Yorker

Still, the firm is confident in its own abilities.

The New York Times

This provides a clear contrast with his own abilities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal development or evaluating performance, use "own abilities" to emphasize self-awareness and reliance on personal skills.

Common error

Avoid overstating your "own abilities"; ensure claims are supported by evidence and experience to maintain credibility and avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "own abilities" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement, indicating the skills, talents, or capabilities that belong to an individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "own abilities" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that refers to an individual's skills and capabilities. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. It is particularly common in news and media and scientific contexts, serving to emphasize self-reliance or evaluate personal strengths. While generally neutral in register, it can be used across various levels of formality. To enhance your writing, focus on grounding claims about "own abilities" in evidence and consider alternatives like "personal capabilities" or "individual talents" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal capabilities

Focuses on the inherent capacity and potential within an individual.

individual talents

Highlights the specific, natural aptitudes possessed by a person.

innate skills

Emphasizes the skills someone is born with or develops naturally.

natural gifts

Refers to inherent abilities as endowments or blessings.

intrinsic strengths

Highlights the inherent positive qualities and capabilities within someone.

unique potential

Stresses the individual's capacity for growth and achievement.

personal resources

Views abilities as assets that one can draw upon.

inherent capacity

Focuses on the inborn ability to do or learn something.

self-reliance

Highlights the capability to depend on oneself and one's own skills.

competencies

Refers to the range of skills and knowledge one possesses.

FAQs

How can I use "own abilities" in a sentence?

You can use "own abilities" to emphasize self-reliance or the importance of personal skills, such as: "She has great faith in her "own abilities" to overcome any challenge."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "own abilities"?

Alternatives include "personal capabilities", "individual talents", or "innate skills", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "own abilities" or "personal abilities"?

Both phrases are correct, but "own abilities" often implies a stronger sense of self-reliance or recognition of one's capabilities, whereas "personal abilities" is a more general term.

How does confidence relate to recognizing one's "own abilities"?

Confidence is often linked to a strong understanding and appreciation of one's "own abilities". Believing in your "own abilities" can significantly boost your self-assurance and motivation.