Ability of doing/to do

Question

An English grammar book that I have explains:

ability to do sth (NOT of doing)

Grammatically wrong: These machines are destroying our ability of thinking.

Grammatically correct: These machines are destroying our ability to think.

Don't native speakers say, "I have the ability of ...ing."?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

.
No. 'Ability to do...'
.

Snappy · Answer

Thank you for your advice.

Anonymous · Answer

I am a native speaker of American English, certified to teach as a TESOL internationally. I've never heard an American English speaker say, "ability of ..."  If you've heard that in American English, consider the background of the speaker as to possibly coming from a unique community dialect, or an author depicting someone whose English is less than Standard. It is not a use of standard American English.

CalifJim · Answer

SnappyDon't native speakers say, "I have the ability of ...ing."?

No. "ability" can be followed by an of-phrase, however, to introduce the subject of the following infinitive. But the infinitive, and not the -ing form, ultimately appears later in the sentence. Examples follow.

The controls were aimed at slowing the ability of sediments to move down canyon.
The ability of the LDP to prop itself up in power was always a bit of a mystery.
Partnerships will continue to optimize the ability of Salt Lake City to succeed.
One of the area's selling points is the ability of residents to walk everywhere.
Without them, the ability of the internet to function smoothly would be impeded.

CJ

Ability of doing/to do

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