a pivotal ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pivotal ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a crucial or essential skill that plays a significant role in a particular context or situation. Example: "In leadership roles, communication is a pivotal ability that can determine the success of a team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Collectively, our findings provide new evidence that high-level information interacts with experience-driven learning in a flexible manner, enabling human learners to make informed decisions about whether to persevere or explore new options, a pivotal ability in our complex environment.

NeuroImage

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The updates also include the pivotal ability to explore outside your current location – a direct threat to Yelp and Google – and it won't be long before Foursquare venues begin appearing prominently in search results for businesses.

TechCrunch

We believe that the pivotal ability in human brain which enables us to do this is what is known as "intuition".

Procedia Computer Science

Our results suggest that these pivotal abilities may have been present in the common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees.

Plosone

In heterogeneous landscapes, such as typical for the Cerrado, the spatial and temporal resolution at which we monitor the ecosystem play a pivotal role for our ability to map carbon.

Carbon Balance and Management

Current models of visual processing and studies in diseases including Parkinsons Disease and Lewy Body Dementia propose that Acetylcholine (Ach) plays a pivotal role in our ability to accurately interpret visual stimuli.

BMC Psychiatry

Positive thinking and encouragement from family, school and college can play a pivotal role in enabling girls' ability to flourish.

The Guardian

In Mr. Klein's view, this demonstration of Mr. Clinton's superior empathic ability was a pivotal moment in their competition.

The New York Times

"There's no question it's playing a pivotal role in people's ability to finance long-term care," he said.

The New York Times

Since both of these factors are associated with planar cell polarity, it supports the notion that these pathways may play a pivotal role in the endoderm's ability to direct morphogenetic movements.

Plosone

Early studies showed that toxin-mediated inhibition of PP2A was a potent tumor-promoter stimulus and that PP2A had a pivotal role in modulating the transforming ability of oncogenic viruses [ 4, 5].

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pivotal ability", ensure the context clearly indicates why the ability is crucial. Provide specific examples or explanations to emphasize its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a pivotal ability" when describing skills that are merely helpful or beneficial. Reserve this phrase for abilities that are genuinely essential and have a significant impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pivotal ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "pivotal" modifies the noun "ability". It serves to emphasize the critical or essential nature of the described ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pivotal ability" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of a specific skill or capability. Although categorized as rare in frequency, according to Ludwig AI, it finds its place in both scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly justifies why the ability is indeed crucial. Consider alternatives like "a crucial capability" or "an essential skill" to add nuance. While effective, avoid overusing it for skills that are not genuinely critical. The phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial capability

Replaces "pivotal" with "crucial" and "ability" with "capability", maintaining the emphasis on importance but with slightly different connotations.

an essential skill

Substitutes "pivotal ability" with "essential skill", conveying the necessity of the skill.

a key aptitude

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude", suggesting a natural talent or inclination.

a vital competence

Uses "vital competence" to emphasize the necessity and proficiency of the ability.

a fundamental capacity

Highlights the basic or foundational nature of the ability.

a critical attribute

Focuses on the characteristic or quality of being crucial.

a significant asset

Positions the ability as a valuable and advantageous quality.

a determining factor

Shifts the focus from the ability itself to its role in influencing outcomes.

an instrumental talent

Emphasizes the usefulness and helpfulness of the ability.

a game-changing skill

Highlights the transformative impact of the ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pivotal ability" to highlight a skill or capability that is crucial for success or progress in a particular context. For instance, "Adaptability is "a pivotal ability" in today's rapidly changing business environment."

What are some alternatives to "a pivotal ability"?

Alternatives include "a crucial capability", "an essential skill", or "a key aptitude". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a pivotal ability"?

Use "a pivotal ability" when you want to emphasize that a particular skill or capability is absolutely essential and plays a central role in achieving a desired outcome. It suggests that success is unlikely without this ability.

Is "a pivotal ability" formal or informal language?

"A pivotal ability" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While "pivotal" is a sophisticated word, the phrase is generally understandable and can be used in various types of writing. For a less formal option, consider alternatives such as "a key skill".