ability to vs ability for

Both 'ability to' and 'ability for' are commonly used in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Ability to' is used to indicate the capacity or skill to do something, while 'ability for' is used to suggest suitability or aptitude for a particular task or role.

Last updated: February 17, 2025 • 1418 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"ability to "

Use 'ability to' when referring to the capacity or skill to do something.

Examples:

She has the ability to speak multiple languages.
His ability to solve complex problems is impressive.
The team demonstrated their ability to work under pressure.
Children have the ability to learn quickly.
The software enhances the user's ability to create professional designs.

Alternatives:

capacity to
skill to
capability to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"ability for"

Use 'ability for' when referring to suitability or aptitude for a particular task or role.

Examples:

She has the ability for leadership roles.
His ability for problem-solving makes him a valuable team member.
The candidate demonstrated her ability for public speaking.
The program assesses students' abilities for scientific research.
The team's ability for collaboration was evident in their successful project.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mars symbolizes the male focused energy, will and ability for archievement.
Being affected/possessed by negative energies can severely obstruct the ability for spiritual growth.
That in theory would affect the ability for bands to record better produced albums.
It remained unknown that he had the ability for such things.
Added benefits are the increased ability for your body to fight tension and fatigue.
What we're seeing with consumers right now is the ability for them to actually lead us forward out of this recession.
Differentiation is the ability for a brand to be distinguished from its competitors.
Do not neglect then the important ability for customers to have deliveries at home.
The conflict has affected the ability for women to access adequate maternal healthcare.
Also new is the ability for customers, Leave reviews.
And all this limits the ability for dialogue between husband and wife.
The atmosphere has a strong ability for 'self purification'.
It is a visceral experience generated through the activation of your right cerebral hemisphere's ability for spatial mastery.
Serviceability: The ability for an external supplier to maintain the availability of component or function under a third-party contract.
Scientists in Japan and the UK have been studying Physarum polycephalum's ability for spatial computation (whilst foraging for food in the most efficient way).
The ability for a long time without food
WorldClient theme - added back the ability for users to reorder their message list columns
I have served this branch to the best of my ability for six long years...
new alignment of your ability for orientation and perception
New to The Sims 4 is the ability for mothers to breastfeed their infants.

Alternatives:

aptitude for
suitability for
skill for

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ability to vs ability for

"ability to "

"ability for"

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