within our ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within our ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something can be done or achieved based on the skills, resources, or capacity of a person or group. Example: "We will do everything within our ability to meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And it is about bringing new and existing development allies together around a common goal that, while ambitious, is entirely within our ability to achieve.

The Guardian

We have no idea - as with before, we just do what sounds good to us and is reasonably within our ability to play.

Independent

It's within our ability to make the systems invulnerable because the speed of update is as great or greater than the speed that somebody comes up with an exploit.

The New York Times

"Commitments to friendly persons should be kept well within our ability to make good.... Forethought should also be given to the problem of care and keep of wives and families of friendly officers".

The New York Times

And so we have done our level best to bring forward to the public -- and we have done so as we have moved along -- all relevant information within our ability to put forward.

The Washington Post

"However, we cannot predict the future levels of the London Living Wage and we cannot build a business plan around a rate that is not within our ability to forecast". Last November, during Living Wage Week, the co-organiser of a London film season pulled a screening of the Humphrey Bogart classic In A Lonely Place from the Curzon Soho.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In addition, on the hike in to the Ishinca base camp, some climbers told us that a roped team broke through the snow bridge across the bergshrund the day before and had to be rescued out; as a result, we weren't sure if there was still a way across the bergshrund that was within our abilities.

Stanford University

But Mr. Johnson sometimes doubted that he would get the job done at No. 51. "Despite my outward determination," he said, "I had to push back questions from within about our ability to complete this -- financially, mentally, emotionally and in terms of my marriage".

The New York Times

"It will be worked out somehow". If the proposals are approved, Culliton said, "we will do our utmost... within our creative ability, as well as the constraints of our limited resources" to make sure that no student will be unable to attend or continue his or her education at MIT for lack of funds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These are now within our technological ability and are certain to provide extremely novel insights into ecosystem-level processes, network dynamics and flexibility.

Evolutionary Applications

Is that the character of Israel as a state for a long period of time?" He added: "If Palestinians come to believe that the possibility of a contiguous sovereign Palestinian state is no longer within reach, then our ability to manage the international fallout is going to be limited".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting goals, use "within our ability" to frame realistic expectations and ensure that objectives are achievable with the available resources and expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "within our ability" to justify taking on projects that stretch resources too thin. It's crucial to accurately assess current skills and limitations to prevent overcommitment and potential failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within our ability" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the scope or limit of what is possible or achievable for a group, considering their skills, resources, and capacities, as exemplified in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

25%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within our ability" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to express that something is achievable given a group's skills, resources, and capacity. As Ludwig highlights, it's often used in news, academic, and scientific contexts to set realistic expectations and define the scope of what can be accomplished. Related phrases include "within our capabilities" and "within our reach", each offering subtle differences in meaning. A key writing tip is to use the phrase to frame realistic goals, while avoiding the mistake of overestimating current skills and resources. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is a valuable tool for clear and effective communication across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something we are able to do

A more direct and simple way of expressing the same idea.

within our capabilities

Replaces "ability" with the plural "capabilities", emphasizing a range of skills or resources.

within our capacity

Uses "capacity" instead of "ability", highlighting the maximum amount that can be contained or produced.

within our power

Substitutes "ability" with "power", suggesting control or influence to achieve something.

something we are capable of

Expresses the idea using a more descriptive phrase, focusing on the state of being capable.

within our means

Replaces "ability" with "means", focusing on available resources, often financial.

something we can achieve

Shifts the focus to the outcome, highlighting the possibility of accomplishment.

something we are equipped to do

Emphasizes the resources and preparation available to perform an action.

something in our skillset

Focuses on the skills and expertise that enable a particular action.

something we have the potential for

Highlights the inherent possibility and untapped capacity for a particular action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "within our ability" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can replace "within our ability" with phrases like "within our capabilities", "within our capacity", or "within our means".

Is it grammatically correct to say "within our abilities" instead of "within our ability"?

Yes, "within our abilities" is grammatically correct. It emphasizes the range of skills and resources available, whereas "within our ability" refers to a general capacity.

What's the difference between "within our ability" and "within our reach"?

"Within our ability" indicates that something is possible given our skills and resources, while "within our reach" suggests that something is attainable or achievable with effort.

When should I use "within our power" instead of "within our ability"?

Use "within our power" when you want to emphasize control or influence over a situation, rather than just capability. It suggests a stronger sense of agency.