interpreters’ ability vs interpreters' abilities

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Interpreters’ ability' refers to the collective skill or capacity of a group of interpreters, while 'interpreters' abilities' focuses on the individual skills or capacities of multiple interpreters. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the group as a whole or the individuals within the group.

Last updated: March 28, 2024 • 564 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"interpreters’ ability"

This phrase is used to refer to the combined skill or capacity of a group of interpreters.

Examples:

The interpreters’ ability to convey complex ideas accurately is commendable.
We rely on the interpreters’ ability to bridge language barriers in international meetings.

Show examples from the web [+]

DG Interpretation calculated the average cost for an interpreter 'being made available'.
I do not wish to take up the interpreters' time.
Projects in this area (e.g. establishment of an interpreters' network) should therefore be included as part of the programme.
Numbers, fast-speech and reading from notes don't make an interpreters' life easier either.
Two I-beams were retrofitted to provide structural support for additional interpreters' booths.
It is Mr Corbett who is taking up the interpreters' time.
To make the interpreters' lives easier - as I am speaking off text - I will, as an exception, do this in English.
It is important and noteworthy: for the first time, during this sitting we have three new interpreters' booths in operation.
Each successive EU enlargement increases them, not only in terms of finding sufficiently qualified linguistic staff, but also in terms of infrastructure - for example meeting rooms fitted out with sufficient interpreters' booths.
Fill this Chamber with men - every seat filled, and the galleries and the interpreters' booths, and the platform - and wipe it out.
It talks about 'the American journalist'.It should instead say 'the American interpreter', since that is what he was.
The President announced that, as from that day, three new interpreters' booths were in operation, catering for the Polish, Hungarian and Czech languages.
I do not want to and cannot go into too much detail, Mr President, given the time constraints and also the interpreters' fees.
Similarly, it may be helpful to draw the interpreters' attention to any terms which may be difficult to translate.
The drones' ability to detect an active gate must have some limitation.
You know these soldiers' abilities better than anyone.
INVANZ may influence patients' ability to drive and use machines.
Driving examiners must be trained to assess correctly the candidates' ability to drive safely.
Driving examiners must be trained to assess correctly the applicants' ability to drive safely.
Killer dinosaurs' ability to adapt was exceptional.

Alternatives:

the ability of the interpreters
the skill of the interpreters
the capacity of the interpreters
interpreters’ skill
interpreters’ capacity

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"interpreters' abilities"

This phrase is used to highlight the individual skills or capacities of multiple interpreters.

Examples:

The interpreters' abilities vary depending on their language pairs.
We appreciate the interpreters' abilities to handle challenging situations.

Show examples from the web [+]

DG Interpretation calculated the average cost for an interpreter 'being made available'.
I do not wish to take up the interpreters' time.
Projects in this area (e.g. establishment of an interpreters' network) should therefore be included as part of the programme.
Numbers, fast-speech and reading from notes don't make an interpreters' life easier either.
Two I-beams were retrofitted to provide structural support for additional interpreters' booths.
It is Mr Corbett who is taking up the interpreters' time.
To make the interpreters' lives easier - as I am speaking off text - I will, as an exception, do this in English.
It is important and noteworthy: for the first time, during this sitting we have three new interpreters' booths in operation.
Each successive EU enlargement increases them, not only in terms of finding sufficiently qualified linguistic staff, but also in terms of infrastructure - for example meeting rooms fitted out with sufficient interpreters' booths.
Fill this Chamber with men - every seat filled, and the galleries and the interpreters' booths, and the platform - and wipe it out.
It talks about 'the American journalist'.It should instead say 'the American interpreter', since that is what he was.
The President announced that, as from that day, three new interpreters' booths were in operation, catering for the Polish, Hungarian and Czech languages.
I do not want to and cannot go into too much detail, Mr President, given the time constraints and also the interpreters' fees.
Similarly, it may be helpful to draw the interpreters' attention to any terms which may be difficult to translate.
The drones' ability to detect an active gate must have some limitation.
You know these soldiers' abilities better than anyone.
INVANZ may influence patients' ability to drive and use machines.
Driving examiners must be trained to assess correctly the candidates' ability to drive safely.
Driving examiners must be trained to assess correctly the applicants' ability to drive safely.
Killer dinosaurs' ability to adapt was exceptional.

Alternatives:

the abilities of the interpreters
the skills of the interpreters
the capacities of the interpreters
interpreters' skills
interpreters' capacities

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interpreters’ ability vs interpreters' abilities