have an ability to vs have the ability to

"Have an ability to" and "have the ability to" are both acceptable English phrases, but they would be used in somewhat dissimilar contexts. "Have the ability to" is more common and generally preferred when referring to a specific ability or skill. On the other hand, "have an ability to" can be used when talking about a more general or unspecified ability.

Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 27, 2025 • 5678 views

This phrase is correct and can be used when referring to a more general or unspecified ability.

"have an ability to"

This phrase is used when talking about a broad or unspecified ability that someone possesses.

Show examples from the web [+]

You have an ability to influence people.
Yes, but being 90% kid myself, I have an ability to get into the minds of children.
Some people who aren't geniuses have an ability to stimulate it in others.
I'm just saying that people have an ability to hide a side of themselves.
Some people who aren't geniuses have an ability to stimulate it in others.
And... you have an ability to see the best in people even after they've wronged you.
You know, like we go around the playground quite a lot and I sort of have an ability to be able to like get money out of people.
Actually, I'm trying to help you, because, if you're going to find my brother, then you need to use the one person who might actually have an ability to seek out the supernatural.
Women have an uncanny ability to multitask.
There's a group of Skitters who have developed an ability to resist their harnesses.
But I have an incredible ability to find all the wrong men.
I have an acute ability to read people.
You have an amazing ability to read people.
You have an amazing ability to help people.
My last point is that an area where we have manifested an ability to be a supportive but not an insignificant player is the Korean Peninsula.
This would have signalled an ability to put its own house in order, which would have been most welcome in view of recent events.
you have an extraordinary ability to discompose my friend, sir.
As you know, healthy Wraith have an inherent ability to heal themselves of almost any ailment, but this has not always been the case.
I have an acute ability to read people.
Persons who are not fully incapacitated but have only an impaired ability to work have little chance of finding a suitable job which takes account of their limitations.

Alternatives:

possess an ability to
hold an ability to
acquire an ability to
demonstrate an ability to
exhibit an ability to

This phrase is correct and is more commonly used when referring to a specific ability or skill.

"have the ability to"

This phrase is used when talking about a particular or specific ability that someone possesses.

Show examples from the web [+]

Industry must also have the ability to review their claims and messages continually as consumer understanding evolves.
It is decentralized civil society organizations within developing countries which have the ability to adapt cooperation policy to local conditions.
The European Union appears to have the ability to help in resolving conflict.
The inspectors must have the ability to communicate orally and in writing with seafarers in the language most commonly spoken at sea.
His cells have the ability to transmogrify
The Cylons have the ability to mimic human form.
Cat fleas, for example, have the ability to jump about a hundred times their height.
They have the ability to see what each person needs.
Parliament, as a consequence, must have the ability to transform political ideas into decisive measures.
They have the ability to mimic and even anticipate our actions.
You must have the ability to reach Katrina.
We have the ability to do this.
I know you have the ability to sound like other people.
They have the ability to analyze and adapt.
Therefore airports should have the ability to make adjustments rendered necessary by market pressure and competition.
We also have the ability to control the contrast... which is so important in photography.
They have the ability to kill millions of people.
See, I have the ability to grant one wish.
Only then... will we truly have the ability to cross over.
The Cylons have the ability to mimic human form.

Alternatives:

possess the ability to
hold the ability to
acquire the ability to
demonstrate the ability to
exhibit the ability to

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have an ability to vs have the ability to

"have an ability to"

"have the ability to"

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