In the English language, the term “ability” refers to the skill or power to do something. When it comes to the plural form, there are a couple of ways to express it, although the most common and standard way is to add an “s” to the end of the word “ability,” making it “abilities.”
Singular Form: Ability
The singular form, “ability,” is used when you are talking about a single skill or power. For example:
- I have the ability to run a marathon.
- She possesses the ability to learn new languages quickly.
Plural Form: Abilities
The plural form, “abilities,” is used when you are talking about multiple skills or powers. This is the standard way to express more than one ability. Examples include:
- He has several abilities, including cooking and playing the piano.
- The team’s abilities are diverse, covering a range of technical and creative skills.
Why Two Plural Forms?
While “abilities” is the standard plural form, some dictionaries also recognize “abilities” as a plural form. However, this usage is less common and can be considered informal or archaic. The reason for this is that English often creates plurals by adding “s” to the end of the word, and “abilities” follows this pattern.
When to Use Each Form
- Use “ability” when you are referring to a single skill or power.
- Use “abilities” when you are referring to multiple skills or powers.
Conclusion
In summary, the plural of “ability” is most commonly expressed as “abilities.” While “abilities” is also recognized as a plural form, it is the addition of an “s” to “ability” that is the standard and most widely accepted way to indicate more than one ability in English.