To best of my ability vs To the best of my ability

Both phrases are correct, but the second one, 'to the best of my ability,' is the more commonly used and accepted form. It is important to include the article 'the' before 'best' to make the phrase grammatically correct and idiomatic.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 5016 views

To best of my ability

This phrase is technically correct but not commonly used in English.

This phrase is a slightly less common variant of 'to the best of my ability.' It conveys the idea that someone is doing something as well as they can.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'll try to explain it to the best of my ability.
I preserved the body to the best of my ability.
To the best of my ability, I will.
I serve His Majesty to the best of my ability.
I'm representing my client to the best of my ability.
Documented and preserved to the best of my ability.
I promise to listen closely to you and reply to your questions to the best of my ability.
I have tried to the best of my ability to discharge those duties that were entrusted to me.
I intend to try to fulfil both duties to the best of my abilities.
Coulson asked me to complete Skye's index file to the best of my ability.
You asked me what could be done to alleviate his suffering, and I've told you, to the best of my ability.
Respectfully, sir, I've only tried to interpret your intent to the best of my ability.
Allow us safe passage and I will protect your right to privacy to the best of my ability.
I repeat what I said at my hearing: I aim to cooperate with MEPs fruitfully and to the best of my ability.
I have served this branch to the best of my ability for six long years...
I resigned because I felt I could no longer serve the President to the best of my ability.
That I'd do my job to the best of my abilities.
I served the United States loyally and to the best of my ability as a covert operations officer for the Central Intelligence Agency.
I promise you I will do this job to the best of my ability.
I work to the best of my ability.

Alternatives:

to the best of my ability

To the best of my ability

This is the correct and more commonly used form in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is doing something to the fullest extent of their capability or skill.

Show examples from the web [+]

I serve His Majesty to the best of my ability.
I'll try to explain it to the best of my ability.
To the best of my ability, I will.
"Do solemnly declare upon my honor and conscience"That I will act at all times "To the best of my ability and knowledge in a manner befitting an officer of the law."
I'm representing my client to the best of my ability.
And will, to the best of my ability, Preserve, protect and defend the constitution Of the United States.
I have tried to the best of my ability to discharge those duties that were entrusted to me.
I have served this branch to the best of my ability for six long years...
I resigned because I felt I could no longer serve the President to the best of my ability.
I served the United States loyally and to the best of my ability as a covert operations officer for the Central Intelligence Agency.
I have managed your estates to the best of my ability under the guidance of the Sheriff.
But for 32 minutes this season, over the course of two games, I did not compete to the best of my ability.
I just want you to know that even though you've been a good friend to me, with Max and everything, I have to do my job, to the best of my ability, for Lee Anne.
"... I will answer all questions to the best of my ability..."
Why are you mocking me when I am genuinely, to the best of my ability, trying to help you?
I do this job to the best of my ability, and I will happily fill in for you whenever you need to rush home and watch your daughter blow bubbles.
"l hereby declare to, above all else, protect and serve the welfare of each student in this district to the best of my ability."
both of the United States government and the state of New York, to the best of my ability.
I just want to say, sir, that I am very excited about this assignment and I promise to serve you and my ship, your ship, this ship, to the best of my ability.
I wish to reassure the President that, in my view, my first duty is to Parliament and to my constituents and I shall carry on doing that to the best of my ability.

Alternatives:

to the best of my capability
to the best of my skill
to the best of my knowledge
to the best of my understanding

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To best of my ability vs To the best of my ability