a specific ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a particular skill or capability that someone possesses. Example: "She has a specific ability to analyze complex data sets quickly and accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This is a XV chosen less on recent form than a specific ability to play the direct, relentless style Jones believes can deliver a famous series victory: "We can't do what's been done with previous England teams.

The Guardian - Sport

This trend was stable across 3 years, so this cultivar is likely to have a specific ability to accumulate DMA in the grain.

Rice

SLI has received robust scientific attention, in part because of its recent linkage to a specific gene and loci on chromosomes and in part because of the prevailing question regarding the scope of its language impairment: Does the disorder impact the general ability to segment and process language or a specific ability to compute grammar?

Plosone

It is often assumed that affectively salient stimuli have a specific ability to capture attention.

Biological Psychology

This suggests that Pa has evolved a specific ability to grow in human blood at elevated (mammalian) temperatures.

BMC Genomics

Oxytetracycline has a specific ability to chelate with divalent metal ions [ 3, 1], and an intestinal chelation reaction which inactivated the oxytetracycline excreted to the gut probably occurred.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

These results not only demonstrate why the disease phenotype is present (e.g., no response to endogenous DHT), but also establishes a rapid and specific ability to identify therapeutically-relevant compounds that may rescue receptor function.

Plosone

The spatial arrangement of the dendrites of a neuron is an important feature of its specific ability to process incoming information, ultimately leading to an output of that neuron.

Brain Structure and Function

Yet such an agent lacks the specific ability to serve, as that term was just defined.

SEP

Let us say that such an agent has the specific ability to serve.

SEP

One, arguably implicit in many of the 'new dispositionalist' approaches to ability, is that general ability is in some sense prior to specific ability: to have a specific ability is simply to have a general ability and to meet some further constraint, such as having an opportunity.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's strength, follow "a specific ability to" with a verb that clearly articulates what they can do. For example, "a specific ability to problem-solve" or "a specific ability to communicate effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "a specific ability to" when the ability is general or vague. Being too general reduces the impact of your statement. Instead, make a precise and concrete description about the ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific ability to" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that it's used to highlight a particular skill or capability. This is verified through various examples where it precedes verbs indicating actions or processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific ability to" is a versatile phrase used to highlight particular skills or capabilities. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and widely used, although specificity is key. The analysis reveals its prevalence across scientific, news, and business contexts, fitting both neutral and formal registers. When employing this phrase, ensure the following verb or noun accurately reflects the distinct skill you intend to emphasize. Also, be aware of better alternatives, such as "a particular talent for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular talent for

Replaces "ability" with "talent", emphasizing natural aptitude, and uses "for" instead of "to" to connect with a following noun or gerund.

a unique capacity for

Substitutes "ability" with "capacity", highlighting potential or inherent capability, and uses "for" to connect with a noun or gerund.

a distinct skill in

Replaces "ability" with "skill", focusing on acquired proficiency, and uses "in" to connect with a gerund or activity.

a specialized aptitude for

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude", indicating a natural inclination or suitability, and uses "for" before a noun or gerund.

a precise competence in

Substitutes "ability" with "competence", stressing demonstrated capability, and uses "in" to connect with a specific area of expertise.

an exceptional gift for

Replaces "ability" with "gift", highlighting innate talent, and uses "for" before a noun or gerund.

a singular knack for

Substitutes "ability" with "knack", indicating an effortless or intuitive skill, and uses "for" to connect with a noun or gerund.

a tailored expertise in

Replaces "ability" with "expertise", emphasizing specialized knowledge, and uses "in" to connect with a specific field.

a refined proficiency in

Substitutes "ability" with "proficiency", indicating high skill level, and uses "in" to connect with a particular area.

a consummate command of

Replaces "ability" with "command", highlighting mastery, and uses "of" to connect with a specific domain or subject.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific ability to" to highlight a particular skill or capability someone or something possesses. For instance, "The software has "a specific ability to" identify and remove malware".

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

You can use alternatives like "a particular talent for", "a unique capacity for", or "a distinct skill in" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "ability to" or "ability of"?

"Ability to" is typically used to describe the capacity to perform an action, while "ability of" is used to describe a quality or characteristic. The phrase "a specific ability to" highlights a skill to do an action.

How does "a specific ability to" differ from "a general ability to"?

"A specific ability to" refers to a particular skill or capability, while "a general ability to" implies a broader, less defined competence. For example, ""a specific ability to" code in Python" versus "a general ability to learn new technologies".