a particular ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particular ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a specific skill or talent that someone possesses. Example: "She has a particular ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Indeed, Zapatero has a particular ability to get under the skin of conservatives in Spain.

The Guardian

But governors have a particular ability to capitalize on a turn in the economic cycle.

The New York Times

London has a particular ability to change in this way: areas that can move from one social group to another and between ethnicities, or from industrial to artistic.

The Guardian

Ms. Link, who has directed three feature films, has a particular ability to shape serious, offbeat topics into powerfully emotional crowd-pleasers.

The New York Times

Lowenstein is one of the nation's most talented business writers, with a particular ability to make obscure financial issues clear as the morning light.

The New York Times - Books

As mothers, they felt that they had a particular ability to communicate with women who needed help with their addicted children.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Interviewing radio DJs is always a little strange because of their particular ability to fill the air with words while saying really very little at all, but this evening there are moments of sudden silence in Lowe's spiel — pauses and breaks, in which he presses his hands to his face and seems genuinely thrown.

The Guardian - Music

Internalization of S. aureus in non-phagocytic cells explaining its resistance properties against cellular or humoral host defenses is an attractive hypothesis relying on its particular ability to generate chronic diseases.

BMC Genomics

Though here, a particular ability of HPV 16 to evade immune surveillance in HIV-positive women may account for the high levels noted in all age groups [ 34].

BMC Infectious Diseases

It is also important to note that vitamin D supplementation should be individualized based upon a particular individuals ability to regularly maintain a satisfactory level.

Harvard University

Someone might have a particular genetic ability to generate antibodies against certain types of viruses like the flu, for instance, he said.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's strength, pair "a particular ability to" with specific verbs that showcase the action they excel at. For example, "a particular ability to inspire", "a particular ability to analyze", or "a particular ability to create".

Common error

Avoid using "a particular ability to" with vague or broad verbs. Instead of saying "a particular ability to do things", specify the exact skill or action that is being described. Specificity adds clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular ability to" functions as a descriptive modifier, specifying a certain skill or capacity. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is suitable for highlighting unique talents or skills within a given context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a particular ability to" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a specific skill or talent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests it is suitable for describing capabilities in various contexts. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears most frequently in news and media, followed by scientific and academic publications. When using this phrase, consider pairing it with specific verbs to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "a specific capacity to" and "a unique aptitude for". It is essential to specify the exact skill or action to add impact to the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific capacity to

Replaces 'particular ability' with 'specific capacity', emphasizing the defined nature of the skill.

a unique aptitude for

Substitutes 'ability' with 'aptitude', suggesting a natural talent, and replaces 'to' with 'for'.

a distinct skill in

Emphasizes the 'skill' aspect and uses 'in' instead of 'to', focusing on proficiency.

an exceptional talent for

Highlights the exceptional nature of the 'talent' and uses 'for' instead of 'to'.

a notable competence in

Replaces 'ability' with 'competence', indicating a level of proficiency and uses 'in'.

a marked proficiency at

Focuses on 'proficiency', suggesting expertise, and uses 'at' instead of 'to'.

a singular gift for

Uses 'gift' to imply a natural talent and replaces 'to' with 'for', changing the structure slightly.

a special knack for

Replaces 'ability' with 'knack', implying an intuitive skill, and uses 'for'.

a remarkable capability for

Highlights the 'capability' as remarkable and uses 'for' instead of 'to'.

a peculiar talent to

Replaces 'particular' with 'peculiar', shifting the emphasis to a distinctive or unusual talent, while retaining 'to'.

FAQs

What does "a particular ability to" mean?

The phrase "a particular ability to" refers to a specific skill, talent, or capacity that someone or something possesses. It emphasizes a defined and notable capability in a certain area.

How can I use "a particular ability to" in a sentence?

You can use "a particular ability to" to highlight someone's strength. For example, "She has "a particular ability to connect with people" from diverse backgrounds."

Which is correct, "a particular ability to" or "a specific ability to"?

Both "a particular ability to" and "a specific ability to" are correct and interchangeable. The choice depends on your preferred style and the context.

What are some alternatives to "a particular ability to"?

Some alternatives include "a unique talent for", "a specific skill in", or "a distinct capacity to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.