the ability to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the ability to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capacity or potential to acquire knowledge or skills. Example: "In today's fast-paced world, the ability to learn quickly is essential for success in any career."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You also need the ability to learn.

Independent

The ability to learn from mistakes.

Harvard Business Review

But the ability to learn from one's experience is critical.

The New York Times

However, you omitted one factor: the ability to learn.

The Economist

Giving her brain the ability to learn was crucial.

The New Yorker

Look for talent who has demonstrated the ability to learn new skills to advance their career, which shows they have the ability to learn.

Harvard Business Review

The point is study skills, the ability to learn, the ability to write academic essays".

The Guardian

One educator sums it up: "There is no link between poverty and the ability to learn".

The New York Times

The ability to learn does not just harm the flies in their youth, though.

The New York Times - Science

The sedentary life also affects their behavior and the ability to learn.

The New York Times - Health

Autistic children lose the ability to learn by observation, something other children do constantly.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing adaptability in a rapidly changing environment, use "the ability to learn" to highlight the importance of continuous knowledge acquisition.

Common error

Avoid using "the ability to learn" when you actually mean the existing knowledge. "The ability to learn" describes the potential to acquire new information, not the information itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the ability to learn" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It describes a capability or potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the ability to learn" is a versatile and widely used phrase that describes the capacity to acquire new knowledge and skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts ranging from academic to professional settings. Its importance is underscored by its frequency in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Harvard Business Review. Related phrases, such as "capacity for learning", offer nuanced alternatives. Understanding its proper usage—particularly differentiating it from existing knowledge—is crucial for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for learning

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", a synonym emphasizing potential.

aptitude for learning

Substitutes "ability" with "aptitude", highlighting a natural talent.

skill in learning

Focuses on "skill" rather than inherent "ability", suggesting acquired proficiency.

learning proficiency

Emphasizes the level of competence in acquiring new information.

capability to acquire knowledge

Replaces "learn" with "acquire knowledge", broadening the scope.

potential for growth

Shifts focus to the developmental aspect of learning.

intellectual curiosity

Highlights the underlying drive that fuels learning.

openness to experience

Emphasizes the receptive mindset needed for effective learning.

cognitive flexibility

Highlights the adaptability of thought processes in learning.

eagerness to learn

Focuses on the enthusiasm and willingness to acquire new information.

FAQs

How can I use "the ability to learn" in a sentence?

"The ability to learn" can be used to describe a person's potential to acquire knowledge or skills. For example, "Employers value candidates with "the ability to learn" quickly and adapt to new challenges".

What are some alternatives to "the ability to learn"?

Alternatives include "capacity for learning", "aptitude for learning", or "skill in learning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ability to learn" or "capacity to learn"?

Both "ability to learn" and "capacity to learn" are grammatically correct and very similar in meaning. "Capacity" often implies potential, while "ability" can refer to demonstrated skill.

What's the difference between "the ability to learn" and "learning agility"?

"The ability to learn" is a general term for the capacity to acquire new knowledge or skills. "Learning agility" refers to the speed and effectiveness with which someone can learn in new and challenging situations. It's a more specialized concept focusing on adaptability.