a real ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the authenticity or genuineness of a skill or talent someone possesses. Example: "Her ability to solve complex problems quickly is a real ability that sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"The system is showing a real ability to be user-friendly," he says.

Nature

It seems Obama has shown a real ability to do this.

The Washington Post

When it came to a nuclear arsenal, Libya was abandoning a distant -- but still dangerous -- dream, not a real ability.

The New York Times

"Most people I know of that mix have a real ability to be in a room with anyone, black or white".

The New York Times

Said Mr. Rose afterward: "I've lived through four presidents, and he has a real ability to know when he's wrong and to see when things can be improved.

The New York Times

"She has a deep and serious understanding of the Senate as an institution and brings a real ability to help Hillary navigate the process," said Howard Wolfson, a spokesman for Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Even though many people dismiss intuition as being either nonsense or luck, scientists are now saying it's a very real ability that's been identified in lab settings and on bran scans.[31].[31]

WikiHow

Beatrice Merrick, chief executive of the Early Education charity, said the test was unlikely to say anything valid about a child's real ability: "You can ask a four-year-old what sound the word 'parrot' begins with and they may say 'p' one day and 'squawk' the next," she added.

The Guardian

Huhne was a minister of real ability who did something v stupid and got caught.

The Guardian - Opinion

Before a patterned curtain, the newsman asks the correspondent what he thinks of Hitler, and Vanderbilt replies: "Unquestionably he is a man of real ability, of force.

The New Yorker

That's a rare and very real ability.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing someone's skill, use "a real ability" to highlight its genuine and impactful nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a real ability" when describing minor or trivial skills. It's best reserved for truly significant talents that make a noticeable difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "real" modifies "ability". It emphasizes the genuineness and authenticity of a particular skill or talent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real ability" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for emphasizing the genuineness of a skill or talent. Ludwig AI analysis suggests it appears more frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. While relatively rare, using "a real ability" can effectively highlight significant skills, distinguishing them from potential or overstated capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine talent

Emphasizes the authenticity and inherent nature of the skill.

authentic skill

Highlights the originality and unimitated quality of the ability.

veritable gift

Suggests the ability is a special endowment or natural talent.

demonstrable competence

Focuses on the ability being clearly evident and provable.

proven capability

Highlights that the ability has been validated through experience.

legitimate aptitude

Indicates the ability is valid and justifiable.

undeniable skill

Stresses the irrefutable nature of the skill or ability.

concrete talent

Emphasizes the tangible and practical aspect of the talent.

true proficiency

Highlights a high level of expertise and mastery.

substantial capability

Focuses on the ability being significant and considerable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real ability" to emphasize someone's genuine skill or talent. For instance, "Her capacity to connect with people is "a real ability" that makes her an effective leader."

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

Instead of "a real ability", consider using phrases like "genuine talent", "authentic skill", or "veritable gift" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a real ability" or should I use a different phrase?

The phrase "a real ability" is grammatically correct and widely understood. Its appropriateness depends on the context. If you aim to emphasize genuineness, it's suitable. If you want to convey a more specific nuance, alternatives like "demonstrable competence" or "proven capability" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a real ability" and "a potential ability"?

"A real ability" refers to a skill that is currently demonstrable and effective. "A potential ability", on the other hand, suggests a skill that is not yet fully developed but has the capacity to become so with training or experience.