a remarkable ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "a remarkable ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has a great capacity for something. For example: "He demonstrated a remarkable ability to recall facts and figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Entertainers have a remarkable ability to reach political unanimity.

The New York Times

"Kurt has a remarkable ability to fit in," Galtier said.

Independent

Cash had a remarkable ability to empathize with people.

The New York Times

Prince Harry added his grandmother had shown a remarkable ability to adapt through the years.

The Guardian

And to seal their argument, they say he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to raise money.

The New York Times

For an avowed elitist, he had a remarkable ability to talk to a crowd.

The Guardian

In contemporary terms, they displayed a remarkable ability to stay on message.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He's shown a remarkable ability to deliver in tough situations," Schuerholz said.

The New York Times - Sports

She has had a remarkable ability to make her competitors shrivel in fear.

The Guardian - Sport

O'Farrell has a remarkable ability to convey the texture of human emotion with precision.

The Guardian - Books

Now that is a remarkable ability to look on the bright side of life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a remarkable ability to", ensure that the subsequent verb clearly and specifically describes the action or skill being highlighted. For example, "a remarkable ability to adapt quickly" is more effective than "a remarkable ability to do things".

Common error

Avoid pairing "a remarkable ability to" with generic verbs like "cope", "deal", or "manage". These weaken the impact. Instead, use precise verbs that showcase the specific skill, like "a remarkable ability to innovate", "a remarkable ability to empathize" or "a remarkable ability to concentrate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a remarkable ability to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun phrase, followed by an infinitive verb. It emphasizes the exceptional nature of someone's capacity to perform a specific action, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a remarkable ability to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize exceptional competence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "an extraordinary capacity to" or "an exceptional talent for". When using the phrase, ensure the accompanying verb is specific. Avoid pairing it with generic verbs. This phrase is a powerful tool to commend exceptional skills, and is very common in use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extraordinary capacity to

Replaces "remarkable ability" with a more emphatic expression of capability.

a striking aptitude for

Substitutes "ability" with "aptitude", highlighting a natural talent or inclination.

an exceptional talent for

Focuses on talent as the primary attribute, rather than general ability.

a notable competence in

Replaces "ability" with "competence", emphasizing proficiency and skill.

a prodigious skill at

Highlights the extent of skill using "prodigious", implying exceptional mastery.

a singular gift for

Emphasizes the unique and inherent nature of the ability.

an uncommon knack for

Uses "knack" to suggest an intuitive and effortless ability.

a distinctive flair for

Highlights a stylish and unique approach to the ability.

a rare facility with

Emphasizes the infrequency and ease with which the ability is demonstrated.

a superior capability in

Focuses on a higher level of capability compared to others.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a remarkable ability to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "an exceptional capacity to", "a notable competence in", or "a superior capability in". These alternatives emphasize expertise and skill in a more sophisticated manner.

What are some synonyms for "ability" that I can use in place of "a remarkable ability to"?

Instead of "ability", you can use words like "aptitude", "talent", "skill", "competence", "knack", or "gift". For example, "a striking "aptitude for"", "an exceptional "talent for"", or "an uncommon "knack for"".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a remarkable ability at" instead of "a remarkable ability to"?

While "a remarkable ability at" might sound acceptable, "a remarkable ability to" is the standard and more widely accepted construction. Using "to" is generally preferred when followed by a verb in the infinitive form.

How does "a remarkable ability to" differ from "a great ability to"?

"A remarkable ability to" suggests an ability that is noteworthy or exceptional, while "a great ability to" simply indicates a high degree of skill. The former implies something more special or surprising. You can use alternatives like "a tremendous ability to" or "a significant ability to".