ability to excel

USAGE SUMMARY

"ability to excel" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone's talent in a certain area or the capacity to do something to a superior level. For example, "He demonstrated an impressive ability to excel in mathematics throughout school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once again, Beem showed something special -- an ability to excel in situations where most people fold.

The New York Times - Sports

The ability to excel at these conflicting modes of innovation can be termed organisational ambidexterity.

Long Range Planning

Academic record suggesting the ability to excel at graduate-level study.

Columbia University

Some had finished high school but lacked confidence in their ability to excel in college, Mr. Calzonetti said.

The New York Times

He has the rare ability to excel in coverage while still not giving up ground as a run defender.

The Guardian - Sport

His zest for life was tremendous, and his ability to excel at all he attempted was an inspiration.

The New York Times

Not every outgoing chief executive has the personality or the ability to excel in this role without some help.

Harvard Business Review

Clearly, the Rangers believe he has the demeanor, the stuff and the ability to excel in the major leagues.

The New York Times - Sports

Blais says that his position on the city council has not diminished his ability to excel in law school.

Harvard University

Instead it means giving graduates the ability to excel in the subjects we know will feed an information-based, technology-driven global economy.

The Guardian

In another sense, this wilful ignorance and arrogance gives Mehring his power and ability to excel, and sets the course towards tragedy - for everyone else.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ability to excel" to highlight a person's or organization's potential for high achievement in a specific area. Be specific about the area in which they excel, for example, "ability to excel in leadership roles".

Common error

Avoid using "ability to excel" without specifying the context. Saying someone has the "ability to excel" without mentioning what they excel in makes the statement vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to excel" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It describes a quality or attribute possessed by a person or entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to excel" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression signifying a capacity for high achievement. Ludwig's analysis reveals its prevalence in news, academic, and business contexts, highlighting its formal tone. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are key, as vague usage dilutes its impact. To enhance writing, consider specifying the context where the ability to excel is demonstrated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to thrive

Replaces "excel" with "thrive", suggesting a flourishing or successful development.

potential to succeed

Emphasizes the future possibility of success, rather than current ability.

capability to prosper

Focuses on the ability to achieve wealth or success.

aptitude for achievement

Highlights a natural talent or inclination toward accomplishment.

talent for distinction

Implies a special skill that sets someone apart.

knack for mastery

Suggests an inherent skill for becoming highly proficient.

skill to surpass

Focuses on exceeding expectations and outperforming others.

power to flourish

Emphasizes the strength and capacity to develop well.

expertise to shine

Highlights the specialized knowledge that allows someone to stand out.

competence to triumph

Stresses the sufficient skill to achieve victory or success.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to excel" to describe someone's capacity for high performance, such as, "Her academic record demonstrates her "ability to excel" in graduate-level study".

What are some alternatives to "ability to excel"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "capacity to thrive", "potential to succeed", or "talent for distinction".

Is it correct to say "abilities to excel"?

While grammatically acceptable, "abilities to excel" is less common than "ability to excel". "Ability" is often used in a general sense to encompass multiple areas of potential excellence.

What is the difference between "ability to excel" and "opportunity to excel"?

"Ability to excel" refers to the inherent capability to perform at a high level. "Opportunity to excel" refers to the availability of chances or situations that allow someone to demonstrate their ability.