a natural

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a natural" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used as a noun or an adjective to describe someone who is naturally talented or skilled in a particular activity or field. Example: "John was a natural at playing the guitar; he picked it up effortlessly and quickly became the lead guitarist in the school band."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A natural.

The New York Times - Sports

He is a natural".

The New Yorker

I'm a natural performer.

Independent

It's a natural evolution".

The New York Times

She was a natural".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a natural swing".

The New York Times

"It's a natural up.

The New York Times - Food

Mr. Dialect a natural.

The New Yorker

He was a natural.

The New York Times

"It's a natural thing".

The New York Times

It's a natural law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a natural" to describe someone or something that possesses inherent qualities or abilities that make them well-suited to a particular task or situation. For instance, "She's a natural leader" indicates she has innate leadership qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "a natural" to describe abilities that are primarily the result of training or hard work. While some people might have a predisposition, attributing success solely to natural talent overlooks the importance of dedication and effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a natural" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a predicate nominative or adjective describing someone or something possessing inherent qualities or skills. Examples in Ludwig show its usage in various contexts to describe innate talent or expected progression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a natural" is a commonly used expression to describe inherent qualities, skills, or expected progressions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and prevalence in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using "a natural", it's best to focus on describing innate qualities rather than attributing success solely to natural talent and overlook hard work and dedication. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's versatile enough for use in numerous situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

innate talent

Emphasizes the inborn gift or aptitude someone naturally has.

inherent ability

Focuses on the innate capability someone possesses, rather than their learned skills.

natural inclination

Describes a tendency or predisposition that is inherent and unforced.

gifted individual

Highlights the person's exceptional natural abilities.

unforced ease

Emphasizes the lack of strain or effort in performing a task or displaying a quality.

effortless skill

Indicates the ease and lack of struggle in performing an action.

intuitive grasp

Suggests an understanding that comes naturally, without conscious reasoning.

seamless transition

Focuses on the smoothness and ease of a change or progression.

logical development

Highlights the sensible and predictable way something unfolds or progresses.

automatic response

Highlights the spontaneous and unthinking nature of a reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "a natural" in a sentence?

You can use "a natural" to describe someone with innate talent or an event that unfolds logically. For example, "He's "a natural performer"" or "It's "a natural evolution"".

What does it mean to be "a natural"?

To be "a natural" means you possess inherent abilities or qualities that make you well-suited to a particular role or activity, often without significant effort or training. It implies an innate talent or inclination.

What are some alternatives to saying "a natural"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "innate talent", "inherent ability", or "effortless skill".

Is it appropriate to call an inanimate object "a natural"?

Yes, you can use "a natural" to describe inanimate objects or situations, particularly when referring to a logical progression or an inherent quality. For example, "It's "a natural reaction"" to stress, or "This location was "a natural sanctuary"" due to its geography.