a lot of ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lot of ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone having a great skill set or aptitude in a particular area. For example: "He has a lot of ability when it comes to programming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has a lot of ability, and he's not cocky.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We always knew he had a lot of ability.

The Guardian - Sport

"I knew he had a lot of ability.

The New York Times

There is no doubt he has a lot of ability".

The Guardian

"He's got a lot of ability," Daneyko said.

The New York Times - Sports

He's very enthusiastic and has a lot of ability.

The Guardian - Sport

"Rags had a lot of ability, blessed with a great arm," Piniella said.

The New York Times

I see a guy with a lot of ability, and we're going to do that".

The New York Times - Sports

"We have a big squad and everyone has a lot of ability.

The Guardian - Sport

"We've always thought he had a lot of ability," Henderson said.

The Guardian - Sport

They were tough, honest competitors and had a lot of ability.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lot of ability" to describe someone's potential or existing skills in a straightforward and easily understandable manner.

Common error

While "a lot of ability" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives such as "significant talent" or "remarkable aptitude" in professional or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lot of ability" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to a person or entity. It describes the extent of someone's competence or skill in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lot of ability" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe someone with significant skill or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. While versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "considerable skill" or "remarkable aptitude" in professional writing. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable skill

This phrase emphasizes the level of skill involved. It's slightly more formal than "a lot of ability".

significant talent

Focuses on innate talent rather than acquired ability. Suitable when highlighting natural gifts.

great potential

Highlights future possibilities based on current abilities. Suitable when discussing someone's prospects.

remarkable aptitude

Emphasizes a natural inclination or talent for something, often suggesting ease of learning.

exceptional competence

Highlights a high level of proficiency in a particular area. More formal and emphasizes demonstrated skills.

notable expertise

This suggests a high degree of knowledge and skill acquired through experience.

impressive capability

Emphasizes the capacity to perform effectively. Slightly more formal than "a lot of ability".

substantial proficiency

This refers to a high level of skill in a specific area, often gained through training or practice.

considerable prowess

Implies exceptional skill and dexterity, often in a specific field like sports or combat.

high degree of skill

A more formal and measured way of expressing significant ability.

FAQs

How can I use "a lot of ability" in a sentence?

You can use "a lot of ability" to describe someone who has significant skill or potential in a particular area. For example, "She has "a lot of ability" in mathematics".

What are some alternatives to saying "a lot of ability"?

Alternatives include phrases like "considerable skill", "significant talent", or "great potential", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "much ability" or "a lot of ability"?

"A lot of ability" is more common and generally preferred in most contexts. "Much ability" is grammatically correct but sounds more formal and less natural.

How does "a lot of ability" differ from "a high level of skill"?

"A high level of skill" ("high level of skill") is more formal and emphasizes demonstrated proficiency, while "a lot of ability" suggests both current skills and future potential.