ace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ace" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to describe someone who excels at a particular activity or task, often in a positive or complimentary manner. Example: "She is an ace at solving complex mathematical problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was fit enough to scamper the most outrageous save, though, held, then broke in the eighth game to serve out the set with his second ace after 45 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

Having taken the first set with an ace, Djokovic sealed the second when Murray horrendously butchered a smash.

The Guardian - Sport

"El Señor [El Mayo] is looking weak, but he is very astute and we are hoping that he has an ace up his sleeve".

The Guardian

The midfield ace was high among their best players with 20 disposals before he was subbed off at three-quarter time.

The Guardian - Sport

Billy Kirk It's not new, but it's new to us, with its ace menswear accessories.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So it seems this year the Blairs are off to Barbados to stay with either (depending on your choice of daily newspaper) top Christian and Wimbledon a cappella ace Sir Cliff Richard (a £3 million mansion) or leading Tory backer and JCB digger maestro Sir Anthony Bamford at his Heron Bay paddette (no price available, but recently refurbished for countless millions).

The Guardian - Travel

A craque (an ace), as we say in Brazil.

The Guardian - Sport

After an exchange of 22 full-blooded groundstrokes, he got the first break opportunity but Murray's nerve held and he found a third ace at the right moment.

The Guardian - Sport

That is a reasonable psychological swag to take from a semi-final of the French Open when the best player in the world rediscovered his inner beast to conclude their long, weather-split duel and beat him 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 5-7, 6-1 withisis eighth ace after an hour in glorious sunshine on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The Guardian - Sport

So, what about the children whose families cannot afford a private tutor or don't have the academic nous to ace these incredibly difficult exams?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But to regain the star quality they enjoyed in their early years, they need a new niche .ACE and XL used to be the insurers of the uninsurable," says Mike Smith, an insurance analyst at Bear Stearns.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ace" as a verb, ensure it aligns with informal contexts like "acing a test". In more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "excel" or "master".

Common error

Avoid using "ace" as a verb in formal writing. While acceptable in casual conversation, formal documents require more sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "ace" functions as a noun, adjective, and verb. As a noun, it represents a playing card or a skilled individual; as an adjective, it means excellent; as a verb, it means to perform exceptionally well. Ludwig AI confirms its varied grammatical roles and provides examples of each.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ace" is a versatile term that functions as a noun, adjective, and verb, primarily used to convey excellence or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, though its formality varies. While generally acceptable, avoid using "ace" as a verb in formal writing. Predominantly featured in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, its authoritative presence is supported by sources like The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expert

Denotes a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area.

excel

Refers to surpassing others in performance, emphasizing superior achievement.

master

Implies comprehensive knowledge and skill, suggesting expertise in a field.

star

Highlights exceptional talent and performance, often associated with fame or recognition.

succeed

Focuses on achieving a desired outcome or goal, emphasizing accomplishment.

whiz

Informal term for someone exceptionally skilled or intelligent.

have an edge

Implies a slight but significant advantage, often in a competitive context.

have an advantage

Indicates possessing a favorable position or edge over others.

prevail

Indicates overcoming obstacles and achieving victory, often in challenging situations.

trump card

Suggests a decisive advantage or resource that can ensure victory.

FAQs

How to use "ace" in a sentence?

As a noun, "ace" can refer to a playing card or a skilled person. As a verb, it means to do very well. For example, "She's an ace pilot" or "He aced the exam".

What can I say instead of "ace"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "expert", "excel", or "master". For instance, instead of "He is an ace at coding", you could say "He is an expert at coding".

Which is correct, "ace" or "excel" in academic writing?

While both terms denote high performance, "excel" is generally more appropriate for academic writing. "Ace" is more informal; thus, stick to "excel" for formal documents.

What's the difference between "ace" and "master"?

"Ace" implies doing exceptionally well in a specific instance or task, while "master" suggests comprehensive knowledge and skill in a particular domain over time.