a writer's 'ability' [='capability', 'capacity'] 'to interest' readers
He always works 'to the best of his ability'. [=as well as he can]
Does he have the 'ability' [='authority'] 'to fire' employees?
(..) That's how it first hit me. You're on a slippery slope. I had to scare him but I sensed he'd heard it before. Part of being a doctor is your ability to improvise. Right now, the one thing l want you to think about... Let me see. - This is so cool. - No, it's not. (..)2001 TvShow: Scrubs Title: My Mentor Season: 1 Episode 2