range of ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "range of ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the varying levels of skill or competence that individuals possess in a particular area or field. Example: "The teacher assessed the students' range of ability in mathematics to tailor her lessons accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Obviously we're dealing with a broad range of ability here.

The Guardian - Film

He was keen to have artists with a differing range of ability.

The Guardian - Arts

Marcelo Gomes, whose ever-expanding artistry and range of ability never cease to amaze me, was also at his best.

The New York Times

He was a true storyteller with a huge range of ability.

Independent

Neither would have stayed in a school that only pretended to teach a full range of ability.

The Guardian

The kitchen is still ironing out the kinks, but when the food is successful, Mr. Nordin exhibits a nice range of ability.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group, use "range of ability" to acknowledge the diverse skill levels within that group. For example, "The class demonstrated a wide "range of ability" in mathematics."

Common error

Avoid using "range of ability" when you actually mean "average ability". "Range of ability" describes the spectrum of skills, not the typical or expected skill level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "range of ability" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the extent of variation in skill or competence within a specific group or context. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase helps to specify that individuals possess varying levels of proficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

48%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "range of ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the variation in skills or competence within a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to identify the span of proficiency levels. It's most commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. To ensure clear and accurate writing, avoid confusing it with "average ability", and remember that "range of ability" describes a spectrum, not a singular level. Alternatives like "spectrum of skills" or "extent of competence" can be used for variety. "Range of ability" is a helpful expression to describe diverse skill sets, and its usage is well-supported by numerous reliable sources cited by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spectrum of capabilities

Replaces "ability" with "capabilities", emphasizing the potential or capacity to perform tasks.

variety of skills

Substitutes "range" with "variety" and "ability" with "skills", focusing on the different types of expertise.

extent of competence

Uses "extent" to convey the breadth and "competence" to highlight proficiency.

scope of expertise

Focuses on specialized knowledge and skill with "expertise".

level of proficiency

Highlights the degree of skill or mastery achieved.

capacity spectrum

Emphasizes the potential or inherent capability, using "spectrum" to indicate variety.

skill set diversity

Focuses on the different types of skills present within a group.

competence gradation

Highlights the gradual variation in competence levels.

proficiency variance

Emphasizes the differences in proficiency levels.

talent pool distribution

Focuses on the distribution of talent within a group, typically in a professional context.

FAQs

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

Use "range of ability" to describe the variation in skills or competence within a group. For instance, "The test was designed to assess the full "range of ability" among the students."

What is a good substitute for "range of ability"?

Alternatives include "spectrum of skills", "variety of competencies", or "extent of competence" depending on the specific context.

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

"Range of ability" refers to the overall spectrum of skill. "Range of abilities" focuses on specific, distinct skills. The choice depends on whether you're discussing a general skill level or multiple separate skills.

What does "assessing the range of ability" mean?

Assessing the "range of ability" means evaluating the varying levels of skill or competence within a group, from the least skilled to the most skilled.