a minimal ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a basic or fundamental level of skill or competence in a particular area. Example: "To participate in the project, you need to have at least a minimal ability to use the software."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Lacking a blood supply and having a low cellular density, articular cartilage has a minimal ability for self-repair.

Biomaterials

There was a minimal ability to sort these areas, or you could jump to a specific area, but it wasn't so obvious how you do that.

TechCrunch

Cardiomyocytes represent only about 30% of the cells in the adult myocardium and have only a minimal ability to differentiate, proliferate, and self-renew.

Biomacromolecules

Variables with low standard deviation were given a low weight as they had a minimal ability to differentiate SES of the patients.

BMC Infectious Diseases

The SRM for the global QoL/GHS score was 0.21, reflecting a minimal ability to detect an effect of radiotherapy treatment on clinical change, as well as the pain (SRM = 0.30) and constipation (SRM = 0.50) subscales or items.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Interestingly, data from the present study establish that among the MDR P. aeruginosa isolates tested in the Caco-2 model, most display a minor to minimal ability to disrupt the intestinal epithelium in both motile and non-motile strains.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

These strategies are dependent on the minimal ability to sequence and assemble a full BAC insert.

BMC Genomics

When they met in August 1977 at a charity tennis event in New York City, Arnold was a thirty-year-old bodybuilder whose days at the top were ending, a man with minimal abilities as an actor except in life itself.

Huffington Post

Dibut.MPRP showed minimal ability to inhibit L1210/MPR cells although this compound was a possible breakdown product of bis(dibut.MPR P and a source of the same extracellular degradation products.

British Journal of Cancer

While the vast majority of information on the various US watchlists remains hidden from public view, leaks and lawsuits portray a system that permits law enforcement agencies wide latitude for including people and minimal ability for those caught up in it to clear their names.

The Guardian

Even in "Hoosiers" the short kid with minimal ability is permitted to sit on the bench and practice with the team so long as he tries hard.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minimal ability", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific skill or area the lack of ability refers to. For example, "a minimal ability to communicate effectively" clarifies the skill in question.

Common error

Avoid using "a minimal ability" when describing a complete lack of ability. This phrase suggests some degree of competence, however small. Use terms like "no ability" or "incapable" for complete lack of skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal ability" functions as a noun phrase that describes the extent of someone's skill or competence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it suggests that someone has a base level of competence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a minimal ability" is used to describe a basic or fundamental level of competence or skill, as identified by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts. Alternatives such as "limited capability" or "slight aptitude" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying the skill or area in question and avoid overstating inability. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited capability

Replaces 'ability' with 'capability' and 'minimal' with 'limited', emphasizing a restricted capacity.

slight aptitude

Substitutes 'ability' with 'aptitude' and 'minimal' with 'slight', denoting a small degree of natural talent.

basic competence

Replaces the entire phrase with a focus on fundamental competence, suggesting a rudimentary level of skill.

rudimentary skill

Highlights a basic or underdeveloped skill, similar to having minimal ability.

small capacity

Focuses on the limited capacity to perform a task, akin to having minimal ability.

modest potential

Indicates a limited level of future possibility or talent, resembling minimal ability.

restricted skill set

Emphasizes that the range of abilities is confined or narrow, like having minimal ability.

marginal talent

Suggests that any existing talent is just barely adequate, similar to minimal ability.

weak aptitude

Highlights the feebleness of one's aptitude, aligning with minimal ability.

limited proficiency

Indicates a limited level of expertise or skill, reflecting minimal ability.

FAQs

How can I use "a minimal ability" in a sentence?

You can use "a minimal ability" to describe a basic or fundamental level of skill or competence. For instance, "Despite his injuries, he showed "a minimal ability" to complete the task".

What are some alternatives to "a minimal ability"?

Alternatives include "limited capability", "slight aptitude", or "basic competence", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a minimal ability" versus "no ability"?

"A minimal ability" indicates some degree of skill, however small, while "no ability" suggests a complete lack of skill. Use "a minimal ability" when there's some level of competence, even if it's very basic.

Is it redundant to say "a minimal ability"?

While "minimal ability" implies a low level of skill, using the article "a" emphasizes the existence of some level of competence, however small. It's not necessarily redundant, but the context should justify the emphasis.