sense of ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of ability" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone's confidence in their own capabilities. For example, "John has a great sense of ability and is always willing to take on new challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The guarantee of assistance to live and move leads to a sense of ability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under the noise however, I would quietly suggest there is also something quite horrific in having to cling on to your sense of ability by focusing on your lack of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is that the former sense of ability is what we have called specific ability, and the latter what we have called general ability.

SEP

This result is highly consistent from a conceptual point of view, as this factor of EAE-EP regards the sense of ability to get information about the professions, courses and the labor market through interpersonal relationships, such as interviews and visits (Ambiel and Noronha 2012).

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

Self-efficacy (SE) is the individual's personal beliefs about whether he or she can perform a defined task or set of tasks effectively; thus, it is distinct from self-confidence, which is a more global sense of ability or worth.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Sense of "ability, cleverness" first recorded early 13c.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

His quirky sense of humor, ability to see the lighter side of almost anything, and hearty laugh will be sorely missed.

The New York Times

Philosophers have tended to have an inflated sense of their ability to "follow the argument wherever it leads", as Plato's old saw has it.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said that if his unscripted encounters were mostly with reporters on his campaign plane, "people don't get a sense of my ability to relate to people.

The New York Times

The debate has reopened one of Britain's most potent and divisive issues, one that evokes the nation's sense of its ability to manage its own destiny free of interference from continental Europe.

The New York Times

"We may have been lulled into a false sense of our ability to control nature during the mid 20th century when climate was cooler and less prone to drought," said Spies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing self-efficacy, use "sense of ability" to highlight an individual's general confidence in their capabilities, rather than specific skills. For example, to boost someone's "sense of ability", provide opportunities for them to succeed in varied tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of ability" interchangeably with self-efficacy. Self-efficacy refers to beliefs about performing specific tasks, while "sense of ability" is a broader, more global feeling of competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of ability" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a general feeling of competence and capability. As Ludwig AI's analysis suggests, it refers to someone's confidence in their own capabilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of ability" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase denoting a general feeling of competence. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it expresses confidence in one's capabilities. While found across various domains, it's most common in news and media, and science contexts. Understanding its distinction from self-efficacy is crucial for precise communication. Enhancing this "sense" involves setting achievable goals and seeking constructive feedback. The related phrases and examples provided offer alternative ways to express this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of competence

Focuses on the emotional aspect of being capable, highlighting the internal perception of competence.

awareness of skill

Emphasizes the conscious recognition and understanding of one's own skills and talents.

perception of capability

Highlights how one views their own potential and capacity to perform tasks.

confidence in one's skills

Stresses the self-assurance derived from possessing certain skills and abilities.

belief in personal aptitude

Emphasizes the conviction that one has a natural talent or inclination for something.

understanding of personal strengths

Focuses on the comprehension and acknowledgment of one's inherent strengths and advantages.

appreciation of talent

Highlights the recognition and value placed on one's own talents and capabilities.

knowledge of proficiency

Emphasizes the awareness and understanding of one's own level of expertise in a particular area.

conviction of effectiveness

Stresses the strong belief and certainty that one can produce the intended or desired result.

recognition of mastery

Focuses on the acknowledgment and awareness of one's own expertise and exceptional skill in a specific domain.

FAQs

How can I improve my "sense of ability"?

Focus on setting achievable goals, celebrating small wins, and seeking feedback to build confidence in your capabilities.

What's the difference between "sense of ability" and self-confidence?

"Sense of ability" relates to your perceived capacity to perform effectively, while self-confidence is a more general belief in yourself.

What does it mean to have an inflated "sense of ability"?

It means you overestimate your capabilities, which can lead to taking on tasks that are beyond your current skill level. Consider "realistic self-assessment" as an alternative to avoid misjudging your capabilities.

Is a strong "sense of ability" always a good thing?

While beneficial, an excessively strong "sense of ability" without grounding in reality can lead to overconfidence and poor decision-making. Balance confidence with "self-awareness".