provides the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provides the ability" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that someone or something has the capability of achieving something. For example: The new software update provides the ability for users to save data in a cloud-based system.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Increased turf growth provides the ability to host more races.

The New York Times

Thus Scribe provides the ability to clone and manipulate a browser selection at will.

The Guardian

WI-FI This provides the ability to connect to a Wi-Fi network using a phone.

The New York Times - Tech

It also provides the ability to set a maximum number of jobs per schedule and a maximum shift length.

The Guardian - Tech

It provides the ability to perform high throughput computing.

Procedia Engineering

The use of zero also provides the ability to manipulate and estimate huge numbers.

Science Magazine

3-matic provides the ability to design custom devices/patches based on the patient's anatomy.

3D Printing in Medicine

It provides the ability to navigate in a multidimensional data structure.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Second, it provides the ability to describe the connection between the modules, including the front-end.

Advanced Structural and Chemical Imaging

This approach provides the ability to incorporate the latest development in hydrological modeling.

Applied Water Science

This provides the ability to control the degree of swell of a polymer [15, 18].

Applied Petrochemical Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provides the ability" when you want to clearly state that a specific feature, tool, or method enables a particular action or outcome. Be precise in specifying what ability is being provided.

Common error

Avoid using overly verbose constructions like "provides the ability to be able to". Streamline your writing by using a more concise alternative such as "enables" or "allows".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provides the ability" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a capability or potential. It indicates that something makes it possible for someone or something else to perform a specific action or function. Ludwig confirms the correctness and common usage of the expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provides the ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes enablement or capability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly science and news media, though it is generally neutral to formal. For concise writing, consider alternatives like "enables" or "allows". When using the phrase, remember to specify the nature of the ability clearly and to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enables

Direct replacement conveying enablement but is shorter and doesn't use the word "ability".

allows for

Suggests permission or opportunity, differing slightly in nuance from a direct provision of ability.

facilitates

Indicates making something easier, rather than explicitly granting an ability.

offers the opportunity

Focuses on the chance to do something, rather than the inherent capability.

gives the means to

Emphasizes the resources or methods provided, shifting the focus from the ability itself.

creates a capacity for

Highlights the development of potential, a more developmental view than simply providing an existing ability.

permits

Implies authorization or permission, differing from a direct provision of skill.

empowers

Suggests giving someone the strength or authority to do something, adding a dimension of agency.

is conducive to

Indicates that something helps or leads to a particular outcome, rather than directly providing an ability.

makes it possible to

Focuses on removing obstacles, rather than providing inherent capabilities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "provides the ability" for variety?

Consider using alternatives like "enables", "allows for", or "facilitates" depending on the context.

Is "provides the ability to" too wordy?

While grammatically correct, "provides the ability to" can sometimes be more verbose than necessary. In many cases, simpler verbs like "enables" or "permits" can convey the same meaning more concisely.

What's the difference between "provides the ability" and "offers the opportunity"?

"Provides the ability" emphasizes the capability itself, while "offers the opportunity" focuses on the chance or possibility. For example, "This software provides the ability to analyze data" versus "This program offers the opportunity to learn a new skill".

How to ensure correct grammar when using "provides the ability"?

Make sure the verb following "ability" is in the infinitive form (e.g., "provides the ability to analyze"). Also, ensure the subject providing the ability is clearly identified.