range of abilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "range of abilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the various skills or competencies that individuals possess, often in contexts such as education, employment, or personal development. Example: "The program is designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities, ensuring that all participants can benefit from the training."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We want a real range of abilities".

The New York Times

I could show my full range of abilities".

The Guardian - Sport

He appears in many galaxies, bringing a range of abilities when Mario jumps on his back.

The Guardian - Tech

A pupil population with a wide range of abilities also makes things more difficult.

The Guardian

The range of abilities in my previous school was mind-blowing.

The Guardian

To him, the interesting finding is the striking range of abilities within this élite sample.

The New Yorker

One thing we know: within any racial or ethnic group, there is a vast range of abilities, intellectual and otherwise.

The New York Times

Though applicants had been screened by the Marine command, there was a wide range of abilities.

The New York Times

Examiners – and I have been one – find it easier to use tiered papers to assess a full range of abilities.

The Guardian

It is that range of abilities, the combination of ball-playing and ball-winning that so stood out against City.

The Guardian - Sport

The proposed changes will create tracks to suit a range of abilities, but notably to encourage novice and intermediate riders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting content, remember to proofread carefully to maintain clarity and correctness, ensuring your writing is both professional and informative.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a wide "range of abilities" necessarily implies high proficiency in all areas. It simply indicates variety, not universal expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "range of abilities" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. It describes the scope and variety of skills possessed by an individual or group, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "range of abilities" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe the diversity of skills within a group or individual. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used in diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research. While alternatives like "variety of skills" or "skill set" exist, "range of abilities" offers a balance of formality and clarity, making it suitable for professional and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you accurately represent the scope and variety of the skills being described, and avoid implying a uniformly high level of proficiency across all areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spectrum of capabilities

Uses "spectrum" and "capabilities" to emphasize the variety of skills.

variety of skills

A more straightforward and commonly used alternative, focusing on specific skills.

array of talents

Highlights the natural aptitude or gifts someone possesses.

suite of competencies

More formal, often used in professional or academic contexts to denote expertise.

collection of proficiencies

Emphasizes acquired skills and expertise through training or experience.

gamut of aptitudes

Highlights a complete or extensive range of natural abilities.

scope of expertise

Focuses on the depth and breadth of knowledge in a particular field.

set of capabilities

A neutral alternative emphasizing a defined and usable set of skills.

portfolio of skills

Suggests a collection of abilities often demonstrated through work or experience.

skill set

A common and concise term for the combination of skills someone possesses.

FAQs

How can I use "range of abilities" in a sentence?

You can use "range of abilities" to describe the different capabilities within a group, as in "The class caters to students with a wide "range of abilities"."

What are some alternatives to "range of abilities"?

Alternatives include "variety of skills", "spectrum of capabilities", or "skill set", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "range of ability" or "range of abilities"?

"Range of abilities" is generally preferred when referring to multiple distinct skills or capabilities. "Range of ability" can be used in a more general sense to refer to the overall capacity or competence.

How does "range of abilities" differ from "level of expertise"?

"Range of abilities" refers to the breadth of different skills, while "level of expertise" refers to the depth of knowledge or skill in a specific area. One describes variety; the other describes proficiency.