a facility for languages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a facility for languages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's natural ability or skill in learning and using languages. Example: "She has a remarkable facility for languages, picking up new dialects with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He is one of those people who has a facility for languages, and can get by in two dozen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her conservatorium colleagues knew her as a gifted répétiteur with a facility for languages who could have stayed forever in an unglamorous behind-the-scenes role in out-of-the-way Sydney.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If you have a facility for language and imagery and the sound of your voice pleases you, invisibility is not what you are after, and you can skip the rules.

The New York Times - Arts

Trained in the arts and with a facility for foreign languages, including English, Mr. Kaplan emigrated to Israel in 1972 and then to the United States in 1977.

The New York Times

Cassel played the father with understated ease, displaying a hitherto unexplored softer side and a remarkable facility for languages (Cassel speaks Brazilian Portuguese throughout; he is also fluent in Russian and English).

The Guardian - Film

He brought to the stone a natural facility for languages (having, by age 16, become proficient in six ancient Oriental languages as well as Greek and Latin).

Encyclopedia Britannica

John Adams was the infant United States' first ambassador to Britain then, and John Quincy, who had a remarkable facility for languages as well as his father's prominence to build on, had already served as a diplomatic assistant in Russia.

The New York Times - Travel

Little is known of his actual role during the occupation, other than that he learned Japanese (he had a remarkable facility for languages), worked for Domei, the Japanese news agency, and may in the latter days of the war been of help to the British.

The Guardian

Ludo has inherited from Sibylla an extraordinary facility for language.

The New York Times - Books

He began writing in the 1930s and from the first demonstrated a fascination and facility for language as well as a gift for unemotional and acute psychological and sociological analysis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is partly through his facility for languages - he speaks French, German, Hebrew and two Inuktitut dialects - that he has been able to infiltrate so effectively the communities he has worked in.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "aptitude" or "knack" can add subtle differences in meaning.

Common error

Be realistic when describing someone's "a facility for languages". Avoid exaggeration; it's more credible to highlight specific achievements or the ease with which they learn, rather than claiming fluency in numerous languages without evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a facility for languages" functions as a noun phrase that describes a person's inherent aptitude or talent for learning languages. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing examples of individuals being described as having this attribute.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a facility for languages" is a phrase used to describe someone with a natural aptitude or talent for learning and using languages. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It implies an ease and proficiency that makes language acquisition relatively simple for the individual. While there are many synonyms, such as "aptitude" or "knack", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedia articles, and wiki entries, suggesting a broad applicability across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a knack for languages

Replaces "facility" with "knack", suggesting an inherent talent or ease.

an aptitude for languages

Substitutes "facility" with "aptitude", indicating a natural inclination or readiness.

a talent for languages

Replaces "facility" with "talent", emphasizing a natural gift or ability.

a gift for languages

Uses "gift" instead of "facility", highlighting an inherent and exceptional ability.

a natural ability with languages

Rephrases to emphasize the natural aspect of the ability.

a proficiency in languages

Replaces "facility" with "proficiency", focusing on competence and skill.

a command of languages

Uses "command" to suggest a high degree of mastery and control.

an ease with languages

Highlights the effortless nature of learning or using languages.

a skill in language acquisition

Focuses on the process of acquiring languages rather than the inherent ability.

linguistic competence

A more technical term referring to the underlying knowledge of a language.

FAQs

How can I use "a facility for languages" in a sentence?

You can use "a facility for languages" to describe someone's natural talent for learning languages. For example, "She has "a facility for languages" and can easily pick up new dialects".

What is a good substitute for "a facility for languages"?

Alternatives include "a knack for languages", "an aptitude for languages", or "a talent for languages", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a facility in languages" or "a facility for languages"?

"A facility for languages" is the more common and natural phrasing. "A facility in languages" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What does it mean to have "a facility for languages"?

To have "a facility for languages" means you have a natural ease and talent for learning and using languages. It implies that you can pick up new languages relatively quickly and with less effort than others.