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an ability vs the ability

Both 'an ability' and 'the ability' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'An ability' is used when referring to a general or unspecified ability, while 'the ability' is used when referring to a specific ability that has been previously mentioned or is clear from the context.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1836 views

an ability

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a general or unspecified ability.

Use 'an ability' when you want to talk about a general or unspecified ability that someone possesses.

Examples:

  • She has an ability to learn languages quickly.
  • Having an ability to adapt to new situations is important.
  • An ability to communicate effectively is a valuable skill.
  • Increasing international competitiveness requires high professional skills combined with an ability to create, innovate and work in multicultural and multilingual environments.
  • They have shown considerable flexibility and an ability to cooperate.
  • Because it's an ability he doesn't possess yet.
  • Everyone with an ability belongs here.
  • Someone's definitely walking around with an ability.
  • These are cross-cutting positions that also require an ability to listen to and to respect others.
  • Thus it is important that seeds can still germinate, an ability they tend to lose if stored for too long.
  • I'd like to meet the hacker that can pull know, without an ability.
  • All you need is an ability, and the willingness to become part of a miracle.
  • She has an ability he'd love to have access to.
  • That's something, anyway, but orson bailey, trent appelbaum... when a 4400 manifests an ability, it can get more intense, quickly.
  • Success can come just from an ability to create something new - in other words, innovation.
  • If you haven't already been infected, these will either save your life, or they will keep you from getting an ability.
  • 1. an ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements,
  • This is not enough if it does not go hand in hand with an ability to take risks together with support for innovative companies from the private financial sector.
  • It's kind of like having an ability to see the truth.
  • You have an ability to influence people.
  • The moment the first 4400 manifested an ability, an arms race began.
  • This is an ability that he has turned against my daughter.
  • She and Elliot bonded over an ability to communicate at a speed of light.

Alternatives:

  • a skill
  • a talent
  • a capability
  • a capacity
  • a knack

the ability

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific ability that has been previously mentioned or is clear from the context.

Use 'the ability' when you want to refer to a specific ability that has been previously mentioned or is clear from the context.

Examples:

  • He demonstrated the ability to solve complex problems.
  • The ability to work under pressure is a valuable trait.
  • She has the ability to inspire others.
  • Joshua has the ability to erase memories.
  • Former employee with the ability to replicate...
  • I really miss the ability To be able to ground you.
  • It gives you the ability to become someone else.
  • His cells have the ability to transmogrify
  • I guess giving him the ability to...
  • He said the kid had the ability to disappear.
  • Eventually, the ability to control voluntary movement is lost. Entirely.
  • With the ability to cause spontaneous combustion upon tactile contact.
  • Without the ability to produce a legitimate heir, I...
  • Similarly, only some of a transgenic animal's offspring inherit the ability to produce the protein.
  • We know also that the quality of democratic institutions determines the ability of governments to respond to financial crises.
  • The most pressing task concerns the ability to implement and administer structural programmes in the applicant countries.
  • Kai was born without the ability to do magic.
  • Your circulatory systems developed the ability to filter radiation.
  • Had the ability to steal The Flash's powers, and I...
  • With intense concentration, she's also developed the ability to render other objects invisible.
  • What you lack is the ability to follow through.
  • Unfortunately, I did not evolve the ability to feel shame.
  • It measures the ability to discriminate pitch, musical scales, rhythm, meter, and memory.

Alternatives:

  • that skill
  • that talent
  • that capability
  • that capacity
  • that knack

Related Comparisons

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