writing ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"writing ability" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's aptitude for writing, such as: "Sally has a remarkable writing ability that extends beyond just basic composition skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm really impressed by him and his writing ability".

Independent

"They certainly don't measure reading or writing ability".

The New York Times

"My writing ability all stems from the blues," she says.

The Guardian - Music

Second, this requirement focuses only on a few skills, particularly writing ability and research technique.

The New York Times

"He was conscientious, and he was especially articulate, both verbally and in writing ability".

The New York Times

Selection for the scholarship focuses on writing ability, requiring several extensive essays.

Independent

I just didn't get grammar and usage until I was older and my writing ability surfaced.

The New York Times

Researchers at Cambridge Assessment analysed the writing ability of 16-year-olds between 1980 and 2005.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the seventh-grade girls outnumbered the boys at the right tail of tests measuring verbal reasoning and writing ability.

The New York Times - Science

Writing ability is a core skill for all researchers and a poorly written CV will cast doubt on your suitability.

The Guardian

They said it would make teachers focus more on drilling students in grammatical rules and less on writing ability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve "writing ability", practice regularly and seek feedback from diverse sources.

Common error

Don't equate perfect grammar with strong "writing ability". While grammar is important, focus on developing a clear voice, compelling arguments, and engaging narratives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "writing ability" functions as a noun phrase, referring to the capacity or skill one possesses in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase. Examples across various sources demonstrate its use in assessing or describing someone's competence in written communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "writing ability" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's skill in written communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable for use. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, and can range from formal to neutral registers. Remember that good "writing ability" encompasses more than just grammatical correctness; it includes clarity, style, and effective communication. To improve your "writing ability", practice regularly and seek diverse feedback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

writing proficiency

Replaces "ability" with a synonym indicating a high degree of skill.

writing competence

Substitutes "ability" with a term suggesting adequate skill for a specific purpose.

skill in writing

Rephrases the noun phrase using a prepositional phrase, emphasizing skill.

written communication skills

Expands the concept to include broader communication skills through writing.

literary skill

Replaces "writing" with a term that refers to creative writing ability.

compositional skill

Replaces "writing" with a term that describes constructing a piece of writing.

command of written language

Emphasizes mastery and control over language in written form.

mastery of the written word

Highlights advanced competence and control of the written word.

penmanship

Refers to the physical act and quality of handwriting rather than broader writing ability.

expressive writing

Highlights the communicative aspect of writing well.

FAQs

How can I improve my "writing ability"?

Improving "writing ability" involves consistent practice, seeking feedback, reading extensively, and focusing on clarity and style. Try different writing exercises and techniques to find what works best for you.

What's the difference between "writing ability" and "writing skill"?

While "writing ability" and "writing skill" are often used interchangeably, "writing ability" might refer to a broader, more general aptitude, while "writing skill" suggests a more honed and developed competence.

What are some key components of strong "writing ability"?

Key components include strong grammar, clear and concise language, effective organization, engaging style, and the ability to tailor your writing to the intended audience.

What can I say instead of "writing ability"?

You can use alternatives like "writing proficiency", "writing competence", or "skill in writing" depending on the context.