a significant ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a noteworthy or important skill or talent that someone possesses. Example: "Her ability to solve complex problems quickly is a significant ability that sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Judge Ann Nevins noted that 50 Cent "has a significant ability to generate income".

The Guardian - Music

The differing estimates over the years, if accurate, suggest that Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia has retained a significant ability to regenerate.

The New York Times

"Corporations have a significant ability to influence society, not through government lobbying, but just through their actions and being role models," claims Vincent Cipollone, corporate development executive for IBM.

The Guardian

"If you look at the red states, we have at least a significant ability in the Senate to force more compromise and more getting along, and that has happened time after time".

The New Yorker

Cronobacter sakazakii possesses a significant ability to adhere to and invade epithelial cells in its host.

AMB Express

Top management has a significant ability to support actual formation and implementation of green initiatives across the organization.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"[TTIP] has a very significant ability to act as a counter to whatever negatives may or may not ultimately attach themselves to whatever construct is negotiated between the UK and Europe".

The Guardian

But Professor Seyhun says he has found that his index has a statistically significant ability to forecast where the stock market will be 12 months down the road.

The New York Times

Mr. Ferrante said that Riva had no intention of selling and had a "pretty significant" ability to borrow more money and also draw on European Union cofinancing.

The New York Times

"These proteins might have a really significant ability to repair injured tendons and ligaments," Rosen says.

Science Magazine

Thus, none of the algorithms showed a statistically significant ability to discriminate between effective and ineffective shRNAs.

BMC Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant ability", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what the ability pertains to. This provides context and emphasizes the importance of that particular skill or competence.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant ability" to describe commonplace or minor skills. Reserve this phrase for situations where the ability genuinely has a substantial impact or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "ability". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It highlights the importance or impact of a particular skill or competence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes the noteworthiness or impact of a particular skill or competence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, with a high prevalence in scientific and news-related sources. While "a significant ability" is prevalent and usable, it is important to reserve this phrase for abilities that truly have a considerable impact. Semantically related alternatives include "considerable aptitude", "notable competence", and "substantial talent", offering options to adjust the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable aptitude

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude" and "significant" with "considerable", emphasizing natural talent.

a marked capacity

Substitutes "ability" with "capacity" and "significant" with "marked", highlighting potential or capability.

a notable competence

Replaces "ability" with "competence" and "significant" with "notable", stressing proficiency.

a substantial talent

Substitutes "ability" with "talent" and "significant" with "substantial", emphasizing a natural gift.

a powerful skill

Replaces "ability" with "skill" and "significant" with "powerful", indicating a strong capability.

a strong capacity

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "significant" with "strong", suggesting inherent potential.

a considerable skill

Substitutes "ability" with "skill" and "significant" with "considerable", highlighting practical expertise.

a remarkable proficiency

Replaces "ability" with "proficiency" and "significant" with "remarkable", stressing advanced expertise.

an exceptional capability

Substitutes "ability" with "capability" and "significant" with "exceptional", pointing to outstanding aptitude.

a noteworthy aptitude

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude" and "significant" with "noteworthy", highlighting a talent deserving attention.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant ability" to describe a noteworthy skill or talent. For example, "Her problem-solving skill is "a significant ability" that helps her excel in her role."

What are some alternatives to "a significant ability"?

You can use phrases like "considerable aptitude", "notable competence", or "substantial talent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a significant ability"?

Use "a significant ability" when you want to emphasize that someone or something possesses a noteworthy or important skill. It's suitable for describing skills that have a considerable impact or value.

What's the difference between "a significant ability" and "a good ability"?

"A significant ability" emphasizes the importance or impact of the skill, while "a good ability" simply indicates that the skill is of reasonable quality. The former suggests a more substantial or influential attribute.