a combination of abilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a combination of abilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a set of skills or talents that work together to achieve a particular outcome. Example: "The job requires a combination of abilities, including strong communication skills, technical expertise, and problem-solving capabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A combination of abilities and dispositions that you were born with, and information and thinking skills that you acquired.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If Murray gets to the quarter-finals here it will be through a combination of ability and willpower.

The Guardian - Sport

Popular success is no random flick of the finger of fate, but the result of a combination of ability and acumen — which, however, isn't the same thing as aesthetic merit.

The New Yorker

Navigation has also been shown to be based on a combination of other abilities including the ability to detect magnetic fields (magnetoception), use visual landmarks as well as olfactory cues.

Wikipedia

A short analysis of the job market showed that it is a combination of personal abilities (such as communication skills, the ability to handle large amounts of complex information, and social competence) along with a well-founded knowledge of the state-of-the-art in several subjects that is increasingly required.

Science Magazine

Finally, for the eICIC scenario, a combination of both abilities are exploited.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"Susan's success," Cole adds, "no doubt suggests hope to others who may also exhibit a combination of special abilities and disabilities".

Vice

In a more general education framework, a 2002 National Center for Educational Statistics report, Defining and Assessing Learning: Exploring Competency-Based Initiatives (Jones et al., 2002, p. vii), defines a competency as "a combination of skills, abilities, and knowledge needed to perform a specific task".

CBE Life Sciences Education

They need a combination of that ability, sure they need ability, but you have to add the following into the pot – courage, motivation, attitude and honesty.

Independent

The mechanism by which 4-1BB improves tumor control is likely due to a combination of its ability to increase T cell survival/expansion, as well as the ability to increase the CTL function of the transferred and/or responding host T cells (Fig. 4C E and Fig. 5).

Plosone

Thus, the selectivity of the pyrrolopyrimidine compounds for the GRK1 or GRK5 is most likely a combination of the ability of the kinase domain to adopt this unusual conformation as well as its ability to interact productively with the unique residues found in the AST.

ACS Chemical Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's capabilities, be specific about the types of abilities included in the "combination" to provide a clearer picture of their strengths.

Common error

Avoid using "a combination of abilities" as a vague placeholder. Always specify the relevant abilities to give the statement substance and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a combination of abilities" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the required or possessed set of capabilities, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a combination of abilities" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe a set of skills or capabilities needed or possessed. As Ludwig highlights, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and general writing. To enhance clarity, specify the abilities involved rather than using the phrase in a vague manner. Alternative phrases like "a range of skills" or "a diverse skill set" can provide nuance. As stated by Ludwig, always avoid overgeneralization and be specific about which abilities are included in the "combination".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a range of skills

Emphasizes the breadth of different skills possessed.

a blend of capabilities

Highlights the harmonious interaction of skills.

a diverse skill set

Highlights the variety and scope of abilities.

a fusion of skills

Conveys a blending or merging of different skill elements.

an array of talents

Focuses on innate or developed aptitudes.

a mix of competencies

Stresses the proficiency in different areas.

an amalgamation of talents

Suggests a collection or gathering of talents.

a synergy of aptitudes

Implies that the combination creates an effect greater than the sum of its parts.

a compilation of expertise

Emphasizes the specialized knowledge in multiple fields.

a repertoire of skills

Suggests a collection of skills that can be readily performed.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a combination of abilities" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a combination of abilities", specify which abilities contribute to the desired outcome. For instance, "Success in this role requires "a combination of abilities" including strong communication and problem-solving skills."

What are some alternatives to "a combination of abilities"?

You can use alternatives such as "a range of skills", "a diverse skill set", or "a mix of competencies" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "a combination of abilities"?

"A combination of abilities" is suitable for describing the necessary skills for a job, a project, or any situation requiring multiple strengths. It's commonly used in professional, academic, and technical contexts.

Is "a combination of skills" interchangeable with "a combination of abilities"?

While "skills" and "abilities" are similar, "skills" often refers to learned proficiencies, while "abilities" can encompass both innate and acquired capabilities. Therefore, "a combination of skills" is typically interchangeable, but context may favor one over the other.