What is ability? Pronunciation and usage in English

ability means . Learn how to pronounce and use ability through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ability

abilitynoun

/əˈbɪlɪti/
Definition & pronunciation of ability

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ability" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • uh – Like the "u" in "but"
  • buh – Like the "b" in "ball"
  • lih – This is the tricky part. It's a "l" sound, but it's very quick and almost blends into the "uh." It's similar to the "l" in "light," but shorter and more clipped.
  • tuh – Like the "t" in "top"

So, putting it together, it sounds roughly like: "uh-buh-lih-tuh"

Here's a phonetic transcription (how it would be written using the International Phonetic Alphabet):

/əˈbɪlɪti/

  • ə – A weak, unstressed "uh" sound (like in "about")
  • ˈbɪ – The stressed part, with a clear "b" and then the "lih" sound as described above.
  • lɪ – The second syllable, also with the quick "l" sound.
  • tɪ – The final syllable, with a clear "t" sound.

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "l": This is the biggest mistake people make. It’s a fast, almost swallowed “l”.
  • Stress the first syllable: "Uh-buh-lih-tuh" – notice the emphasis is on “uh.”
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is by hearing it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce ability" on YouTube. You'll find many videos.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/ability/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Say the word for you?
  • Give you more examples of similar words?

Usage and examples with the word ability in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ability" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning, and understanding its nuances will help you use it correctly and effectively.

1. Core Meaning: The Capacity to Do Something

At its most basic, "ability" refers to the capacity or power to do something. It’s about possessing a skill or talent.

  • Example: “She has the ability to speak five languages.” (She can speak those languages.)
  • Example: “He possesses a natural ability for music.” (He’s good at music because he has it.)

2. Grammatical Usage – as a Noun

  • Singular: "She has a strong ability to learn quickly."
  • Plural: “The program aims to develop students’ abilities.” (multiple skills or talents)

3. Common Phrases and Expressions Using "Ability"

Here are some ways "ability" is frequently used in combination with other words:

  • Physical Ability: This refers to a person's strength, agility, or stamina.

    • “He demonstrated impressive physical ability during the marathon.”
    • “The elderly woman struggled with her physical abilities."

  • Mental Ability: This covers intelligence, reasoning, memory, and problem-solving skills.

    • “The test assessed her mental abilities.”
    • “He has a remarkable ability to concentrate.”

  • Creative Ability: This relates to artistic talent, imagination, and innovation.

    • “She displays a true creative ability in her paintings.”
    • “The company needs employees with strong creative abilities.”

  • Special Ability: This denotes a particular skill or talent, often one that is unusual or impressive.

    • “The magician’s most amazing ability was making objects disappear.”
    • “The child has a special ability to understand complex concepts.”

  • Lack of Ability: This is the opposite of having an ability.

    • “He has a lack of ability in mathematics.” (He struggles with math.)

4. Related Words and Phrases

  • Able: (Adjective) Describes someone who is capable of doing something. “She is able to handle the workload.” (Often used in conjunction with “ability.”)
  • Capability: (Noun) Similar to ability, but often implies a more developed or practical skill. “The factory has the capability to produce a large quantity of goods.”
  • Talent: (Noun) Often used interchangeably with ability, but often implies a natural gift or aptitude. “He’s a natural talent at sports.”
  • Skill: (Noun) A learned ability. "She has a lot of skill as a driver."

5. Examples in Sentences (Variety)

  • “Her ability to empathize with others made her a great counselor.”
  • “The training program will improve the participants’ cognitive abilities.”
  • “Despite his disability, he continued to demonstrate his remarkable ability to overcome obstacles.”
  • “The robot’s programming includes an ability to learn from its mistakes.”

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific type of ability (e.g., musical ability)?
  • Help you practice using "ability" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word ability

Practice with vocabulary ability

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Her ________ to solve complex problems quickly amazed her colleagues.
  2. The company’s success largely depends on its ________ to adapt to changing market trends.
  3. He demonstrated an impressive ________ in managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  4. Effective communication is a ________ that every leader should develop.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words refers to the skill or capacity to do something?
    a) Competence
    b) Ability
    c) Effort
    d) Talent

  2. What is the primary meaning of "capability"?
    a) Willingness to try
    b) Power or ability to do something
    c) Experience in a field
    d) Knowledge of a subject

  3. Which word is NOT a synonym for "ability"?
    a) Proficiency
    b) Potential
    c) Limitation
    d) Skill

  4. What best describes the phrase "She has a knack for problem-solving"?
    a) She lacks the ability to solve problems.
    b) She has a natural talent for solving problems.
    c) She avoids solving problems.
    d) She struggles with problem-solving.

  5. Which word refers to the power to influence others?
    a) Authority
    b) Ability
    c) Capacity
    d) Efficiency

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Her skill in negotiation helped her close the deal.
    Rewrite: Her ________ in negotiation helped her close the deal.

  2. Original: The team’s capacity to innovate sets them apart from competitors.
    Rewrite: The team’s ________ to innovate sets them apart from competitors.

  3. Original: His talent for public speaking made him a popular choice for the event.
    Rewrite: His ________ for public speaking made him a popular choice for the event.

Answer

Exercise 1:

  1. Ability
  2. Ability
  3. Skill
  4. Competence

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Ability
  2. b) Power or ability to do something
  3. c) Limitation
  4. b) She has a natural talent for solving problems.
  5. a) Authority

Exercise 3:

  1. Her ability in negotiation helped her close the deal.
  2. The team’s ability to innovate sets them apart from competitors.
  3. His expertise for public speaking made him a popular choice for the event.

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