a prodigious ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prodigious ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has an extraordinary or remarkable talent or skill in a particular area. Example: "Her prodigious ability to solve complex mathematical problems astounded her teachers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Her performances were legendary and her affairs lurid, matched only by a prodigious ability to convert both into hard cash.

The Guardian - Books

At the same time, the final plan reflects the shrewd politics of Mayor Richard Daley, who has shown a prodigious ability to add partners to his political coalition.In this section As hamburgers go, so goes America?

The Economist

The network's deep organization gives it a prodigious ability to spot and take advantage of the most useful features and patterns that recur across the examples, and distinguish different faces.

Nature

It was just a little bit more traditional, with a little bit more pageantry". His enthusiasm for music was matched by a prodigious ability to master all kinds of instruments.

The Guardian - Music

This film boasts a first-rate cast, a credible literary source and a director whose last film, "L.A. Confidential," showed a prodigious ability to capture both the headlong rhythms of a complex plot and the particularities of a motley assortment of characters.

The New York Times

It boasts a first-rate cast, a credible literary source and a director whose last film, "L. A. Confidential," showed a prodigious ability to capture both the headlong rhythms of a complex plot and the particularities of a motley assortment of characters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The reader can only marvel that a man of such prodigious ability, enthusiasm and dedication ever lived.

The Guardian - Books

Angel di María whipped his cross into the penalty area and, after that, it was a demonstration of Ronaldo's prodigious ability to leap for crosses, like a centre-forward from another era.

The Guardian - Sport

The Russian, twice runner-up in this tournament and beaten by Federer in last year's final, is a man of immense power and prodigious ability.

The Guardian - Sport

Other autistic artists and savants have been identified and studied in the intervening years but none have shown such prodigious ability at such an early age.

The Guardian - Arts

Though Obama has followed his beat Hillary script to the letter, he also has shown enough political skills, stump charisma, and the prodigious ability to pile up a king's ransom campaign chest to be a bona fide competitive Democratic contender against McCain.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a prodigious ability" to describe someone's exceptional skill or talent, especially when it seems remarkably developed or comes naturally. For instance, "She demonstrated a prodigious ability to learn new languages."

Common error

Avoid using "a prodigious ability" in situations where a simpler description of skill is adequate. For example, instead of saying "He showed a prodigious ability in writing emails", opt for "He was skilled at writing emails" if the context doesn't warrant the emphasis on exceptional talent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prodigious ability" functions as a noun phrase, where 'prodigious' acts as a pre-modifying adjective that emphasizes the exceptional quality of the 'ability'. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase refers to an outstanding or remarkable talent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prodigious ability" is a phrase used to describe an exceptionally remarkable or impressive skill, as reinforced by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts, its formality suggests it's best reserved for situations where the extraordinariness of the talent warrants emphasis. It's more effective than merely saying someone is “skilled” and less casual than saying someone “has a knack for” something. Remember to consider simpler alternatives if the emphasis on exceptional talent is unnecessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional talent

Emphasizes the talent itself being outstanding, rather than focusing on the ability to do something.

a remarkable aptitude

Highlights a natural inclination or inherent skill in a particular area.

an extraordinary gift

Suggests the ability is innate and almost divinely bestowed.

a great capacity

Focuses on the potential to develop skill or knowledge to a significant degree.

a natural flair

Implies an effortless and stylish way of performing a skill.

a knack for

Suggests an ease and efficiency in performing a task.

uncommon proficiency

Emphasizes a high level of competence beyond the norm.

considerable expertise

Highlights a deep understanding and mastery of a subject or skill.

immense potential

Focuses on the future capabilities and possible development of skills.

exceptional competence

Highlights a high level of knowledge, skill, and performance.

FAQs

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

Use "a prodigious ability" to describe someone's exceptionally impressive skill or talent in a particular area. For instance, "The musician showcased "a prodigious ability" to play multiple instruments".

What are some alternatives to saying "a prodigious ability"?

You can use alternatives such as "an exceptional talent", "a remarkable aptitude", or "an extraordinary gift" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

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

Use "a prodigious ability" when you want to emphasize the extraordinary or remarkable nature of someone's skill, especially when it surpasses typical expectations or abilities. It's suitable for describing talents that are significantly above average.

Is it correct to say "prodigious ability" without the article "a"?

While "prodigious ability" can be used without the article "a" in certain contexts (e.g., in headlines or titles), using ""a prodigious ability"" is generally more grammatically correct and natural when referring to a specific instance of remarkable talent.