a true ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true 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 empathize with others is not just a skill; it's a true ability that sets her apart as a leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"A true ability to eat at fine restaurants and stay in fine hotels on someone's dime.

The New York Times - Books

The British program also shows a true ability for resilience with three working and organizing schemes since 1992.

European Transport Research Review

The result is a rich story of a public servant who possessed a true ability to work with members of both political parties and played a significant role in shaping modern New Jersey.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Given the difficulties in seeing beyond results to a person's true ability, how could one build a utopian meritocracy?

Forbes

We present several analyses which illustrate a major conceptual conflict: the signal (a measure's true ability to detect change) for some of these coefficients appears in the noise term (measurement error) of the others.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

This term evolved from "needs assistance" or "borderline" (used in the old system) where students may have barely passed or failed an assessment or where there was uncertainty about a student's true ability [ 27].

BMC Medical Education

After another round of record-shattering times at the 2009 world championships, FINA banned such bodysuits, for fear that they augmented a competitor's true ability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The officer-member relationship is challenging: I do think councillors are up for the debate on their roles, but as someone earlier pointed out there is a big difference to someone in the cabinet, for example, and a backbencher and their true ability to influence.

The Guardian

If the information is expansive, it is possible to identify a test taker whose true ability is at that level with reasonable precision.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

This could potentially suggest that the cognitive decrements noted may be the result of factors other than a reduction in their true ability.

Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology

Are standardized-test scores, on which many schools rely heavily to make promotion or graduation decisions, more indicative of true ability than a ballplayer's weekly average?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a true ability" to underscore the genuineness and reliability of a skill, especially when contrasting it with superficial or acquired traits.

Common error

Avoid using "a true ability" when describing a skill that is still developing or lacks substantial evidence of its effectiveness. Reserve it for abilities that are well-established and consistently demonstrated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "true" modifies "ability" to emphasize its genuineness. Ludwig AI identifies its use to highlight a skill or talent that is authentic and reliable, not merely superficial.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true ability" is a phrase used to emphasize the genuine and reliable nature of a skill or talent. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is suitable for professional and neutral registers. The phrase's primary function is to distinguish an authentic capability from a superficial or acquired trait. Alternatives include phrases like "a genuine skill" or "a demonstrable aptitude". When employing this phrase, ensure that the skill or talent in question is well-established and consistently demonstrated to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine skill

Emphasizes the authenticity of the skill.

a real talent

Highlights the natural and inherent quality of the ability.

a demonstrable aptitude

Focuses on the provable and evident nature of the ability.

a proven competence

Stresses that the ability has been validated through experience.

an authentic capability

Emphasizes the unfeigned and reliable nature of the ability.

a remarkable proficiency

Highlights the exceptional level of skill.

a significant expertise

Focuses on the depth and importance of the knowledge or skill.

a considerable mastery

Emphasizes a high level of control and understanding.

a marked gift

Highlights the inherent or natural aspect of the ability.

a deep-seated capacity

Emphasizes the fundamental and ingrained nature of the ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a true ability" to emphasize the genuine nature of a skill or talent, such as, "Her empathy isn't just a learned behavior; it's "a true ability" that makes her an effective leader".

What are some alternatives to "a true ability"?

Alternatives include "a genuine skill", "a real talent", or "a demonstrable aptitude", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a true ability" over a simple "ability"?

Use "a true ability" when you want to stress the authenticity and reliability of the skill, suggesting it's more than just a superficial or acquired trait. It implies a deep-seated competence.

Is "true ability" different from "natural ability"?

"True ability" emphasizes the genuineness and reliability of a skill, while "natural ability" focuses on the inherent or innate aspect of the skill. While similar, "natural ability" implies an inborn talent.