whose abilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whose abilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone in relation to their skills or talents, often in contexts discussing qualifications or characteristics. Example: "She is a coach whose abilities to motivate her team are unmatched."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perhaps no team does, Lundqvist being a player whose abilities might better be regarded historically.

The New Yorker

There are some amateurs whose abilities translate better to the pro ranks.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is the first generation of kids whose abilities may outstrip us while they're still kids.

The Guardian - Tech

Cuba probably has scores of players whose abilities far exceed Mr Balentien's.

The Economist

He appointed William Lamb, an architect in whose abilities he had great faith, to be responsible for the design.

The New York Times

In sheep, the main aetiological agent is Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma) whose abilities to persist in the target organs are known.

Veterinary Microbiology

The difference is Eets, whose abilities are affected by his emotions: an angry Eets can leap huge chasms, a fearful Eets refuses to jump at all.

The New York Times - Tech

During my time as a GCSE tutor, helping pupils at a tuition centre, I came across several children whose abilities were assumed to be low.

The Guardian

If I want to do a piece with people whose abilities go beyond those in the resident company, I'll bring people to Cambridge.

The New York Times

Wiretaps, videotapes made by Mr. Shaikh, his testimony and other evidence painted a picture of a group whose abilities of carrying out a plot were, at best, limited.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The time for babbling is over," Mr Saakashvili said, as he ordered his army whose abilities American advisers have struggled to improve to stage exercises on the statelet's boundary.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When highlighting people's abilities, enrich your writing by showcasing specific examples of what these abilities enable them to do.

Common error

Avoid confusing "whose", a possessive pronoun, with "who's", which is a contraction of "who is" or "who has". Using "who's abilities" is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose abilities" primarily functions as a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause. It specifies a characteristic or attribute (abilities) that belongs to the noun it modifies. Ludwig examples show it connecting individuals or groups to their particular skill sets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whose abilities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for connecting individuals or entities with their skills. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. While versatile, ensure you're using "whose" correctly and not confusing it with "who's". For alternative phrasing, consider options that highlight specific skills or capacities, as detailed above.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possessing the talent

Highlights the possession of talent, often in a more descriptive and evocative manner.

with aptitude and skill

Focuses on both inherent aptitude and learned skill, providing a broader perspective.

of whom the talents

Replaces "whose abilities" with a more formal and less common structure, focusing on the possession of talents.

endowed with capabilities

Implies a natural or inherent endowment of capabilities, adding a layer of nuance.

belonging to someone with skills

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate possession of skills, altering the sentence structure.

the capacity that they hold

Focuses on the potential and capacity someone possesses, shifting from current ability.

for whom capabilities exist

Emphasizes the existence of capabilities in a specific person, changing the focus slightly.

the prowess they exhibit

Emphasizes demonstrated skill and expertise, moving away from inherent abilities.

of people with such skills

Shifts the focus to a general group of people who possess particular skills.

that demonstrate their skill set

Focuses on the demonstration of a skill set, rather than the inherent ability.

FAQs

How can I use "whose abilities" in a sentence?

"Whose abilities" is used to show possession or a characteristic related to someone's skills. For instance, "The team leader, "whose ability" to inspire others is remarkable, led the team to success."

What are some alternatives to "whose abilities"?

Alternatives include "of whom the talents", "belonging to someone with skills", or "for whom capabilities exist", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "whose abilities" and "whose potential"?

"Whose abilities" refers to current skills and capabilities, while "whose potential" refers to untapped or future capabilities. For example, you might speak of a seasoned professional "whose abilities" are well-honed, versus a young trainee "whose potential" is yet to be fully realized.

Is it correct to say "who's abilities" instead of "whose abilities"?

No, "who's abilities" is incorrect. "Whose" is the possessive form, while "who's" is a contraction of "who is" or "who has". The correct possessive form is ""whose ability"".