ability to vs ability of

Both "ability to" and "ability of" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Ability to" indicates the capacity or skill to do something, while "ability of" describes the quality or characteristic of having a particular skill or capacity.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 17, 2025 • 6340 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. It indicates the capability or potential to perform a specific action.

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.
The key to success is having the ability to adapt to change.
The ability to learn quickly is a valuable asset.

Alternatives:

capacity to
skill to
potential to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"ability of "

Use "ability of" when describing the quality or characteristic of having a particular skill or capacity. It emphasizes the possession or attribute of a specific ability.

Examples:

The ability of the team to innovate sets them apart.
The ability of the students to grasp complex concepts is remarkable.
The ability of the company to adapt to market changes is crucial.
The ability of the human brain to learn new things is astounding.
The ability of the artist to evoke emotions through their work is exceptional.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 26, 2024

Abstract. Objective: To assess the predictive ability of a universal predischarge serum bilirubin measurement to screen for risk of subsequent significant ...
Jul 15, 1996 ... A simple, automated test measuring the ferric reducing ability of plasma, the FRAP assay, is presented as a novel method for assessing “antioxidant power.”
The comparative ability of eight functional mobility tests for predicting falls in community-dwelling older people. Age Ageing. 2008 Jul;37(4):430-5. doi ...
Mar 5, 2024 ... Strengthening the Ability of Consumers To Stop Robocalls. A Rule by the Federal Communications Commission on 03/05/2024.
Ability of Noninvasive Scoring Systems to Identify Individuals in the Population at Risk for Severe Liver Disease. Gastroenterology. 2020 Jan;158(1):200-214 ...
Apr 10, 2009 ... What is the difference between ability to do sth and ability of doing sth? when dou you use each of the forms? Thanks in advance!
6 days ago ... The ability of this numerical method to consider non-isotropic initial data represents a decided advantage over other approaches. From the ...
Increase the ability of primary care and behavioral health professionals to provide more high-quality care to patients who need it — AHS‑R01. HP2030 logo.
Oct 9, 2023 ... Abstract page for arXiv paper 2310.05845: GraphLLM: Boosting Graph Reasoning Ability of Large Language Model.
In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future ...

Alternatives:

capacity of
skill of
potential of

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

ability to vs ability of

"ability to "

"ability of "

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text