a singular ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

'a singular ability to' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to suggest that someone has an extraordinary capability in a particular area. For example: "He had a singular ability to transform any room into a lively atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

As most any mother and father knows, kids have a singular ability to detect double standards.

The New York Times

In 2003, American officials showed a singular ability to alienate people.

The New York Times

That gives Mr. Miller a singular ability to shape his attack on the mayor with detailed inside information.

The New York Times

Ms. Smith, who held her wedding picture while testifying, has frustrated Mr. Hardin by showing a singular ability to answer "yes" or "no" questions with run-on sentences.

The New York Times

He found a macabre fascination in the pattern of bloodstains, and acquired a singular ability to charm expert prosecution witnesses out of their preconceptions.

The Guardian

As a reporter he is dogged and exacting, with a singular ability to uncover and incorporate obscure journals, depositions and ledgers without ever letting the plot sag.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

McCullers had an almost singular ability to humanize any kind of person, many of whom had never appeared in American literature before she created them.

The New Yorker

February 20 would have been Ansel Adams' 112th birthday, and we are celebrating by taking a moment to reflect on the photographer's singular ability to evoke the sacred power of Earth.

HuffPost

While toddlers tuning into this new Nickelodeon series will no doubt adore Mark for his shaggy, mad-scientist appearance and his singular ability to render potato bugs with a marker, their parents will likely appreciate him for other reasons.

The New York Times - Arts

His singular ability to break down the elements of building a team, dissect and uncover new strategies with which to both nullify and dominate opponents, and relate to people with a rare blend of grace and inspiration, elevated him to the top of coaches I've ever observed in my 40 years in and around athletics.

Los Angeles Times

The ingenuity of William Greaves's film is his singular ability to turn the story of its production into a central and natural element of the film.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what the ability is and why it's considered singular or exceptional. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular ability to" too frequently in your writing. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms or rephrase sentences to maintain variety and freshness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular ability to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun 'ability,' followed by an infinitive. It emphasizes the exceptional or unique nature of the specified skill or capability. Ludwig's examples showcase its descriptive role in highlighting distinctive talents.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a singular ability to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize an individual's or entity's exceptional talent or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various reliable sources. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, academic texts, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternatives like "an exceptional talent for" or "a unique capacity for" can provide variety while maintaining a similar meaning. Using this phrase effectively requires clarity in defining the specific ability and its exceptional nature. The phrase is a good option to draw emphasis to a distinctive skill or talent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional talent for

Replaces 'ability' with 'talent' and 'singular' with 'exceptional', emphasizing natural aptitude.

a unique capacity for

Substitutes 'ability' with 'capacity' and 'singular' with 'unique', highlighting distinctiveness.

a remarkable skill in

Replaces 'ability' with 'skill' and 'singular' with 'remarkable', underscoring expertise.

a distinctive aptitude for

Changes 'ability' to 'aptitude' and 'singular' to 'distinctive', focusing on inherent potential.

an unparalleled gift for

Replaces 'ability' with 'gift' and 'singular' with 'unparalleled', stressing an unmatched quality.

a rare knack for

Substitutes 'ability' with 'knack' and 'singular' with 'rare', emphasizing a natural talent that's not commonly found.

an unmatched prowess in

Changes 'ability' to 'prowess' and 'singular' to 'unmatched', focusing on superior skill or expertise.

a preternatural talent for

Replaces 'ability' with 'talent' and 'singular' with 'preternatural', conveying a skill beyond the natural.

an extraordinary flair for

Substitutes 'ability' with 'flair' and 'singular' with 'extraordinary', highlighting a distinctive style or talent.

a special gift for

Replaces 'singular ability' with 'special gift', suggesting a talent that is both unique and valuable.

FAQs

How can I use "a singular ability to" in a sentence?

You can use "a singular ability to" to emphasize someone's exceptional skill or talent in a particular area. For example, "She has "a singular ability to" connect with people on an emotional level".

What are some alternatives to "a singular ability to"?

Alternatives include "an exceptional talent for", "a unique capacity for", or "a remarkable skill in". These phrases can add variety to your writing while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "unique ability" or "singular ability"?

While both are acceptable, "singular ability" emphasizes the exceptional or unmatched nature of the skill, whereas "unique ability" simply implies that it is distinct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to have "a singular ability to" do something?

Having "a singular ability to" do something means possessing an exceptional or unique talent that sets you apart from others in a particular area. It suggests a remarkable level of skill or aptitude.