an exceptional ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exceptional ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who possesses a remarkable skill or talent in a particular area. Example: "She has an exceptional ability to solve complex mathematical problems quickly and accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

He also had an exceptional ability to encourage young writers.

The Guardian

Geraldine McCaughrean has an exceptional ability to tell stories without reducing them to didactic commentary.

The Guardian - Books

Minnifield has an exceptional ability to turn and locate the football on the run.

The New York Times

One of those was Peter Darkings, who, according to his boss Bill McCafferty, "has an exceptional ability to communicate.

The Guardian

But the Tories appeared to have an exceptional ability to compartmentalise, to commit political murder with a charming smile.

The Guardian

Davis has an exceptional ability to be still and yet go through a whole range of emotions.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

With a script by Arthur C Clarke - another self-made exile - the project became 2001: A Space Odyssey - the greatest science fiction movie of all time, maybe one of the best films ever, and the one which cemented Kubrick's reputation as an artist of exceptional ability.

The Guardian - Film

A selection bias may occur when an individual attracts the attention of a researcher by exceptional ability.

Plosone

At that time (first half of the 19th century) an intellectual elite of exceptional ability created a striking contrast to the proponents of the reactionary rule of Nicholas I (1825 55).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cadets may be appointed to acting ranks where there is a shortage of available candidates or there is a cadet of exceptional ability.

Wikipedia

What they said: "He has exceptional ability, an inspiration - simply a great player.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's talent, follow "an exceptional ability" with a prepositional phrase using "in" or "with" to specify the area of expertise. For example, "He has an exceptional ability in mathematics" or "She has an exceptional ability with languages".

Common error

Avoid weakening the impact of "an exceptional ability" by pairing it with generic verbs like "have" or "possess" alone. Instead, use stronger verbs such as "demonstrates", "exhibits", or "displays" to emphasize the active manifestation of the ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional ability" functions as a noun phrase, where 'exceptional' modifies 'ability'. It is typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exceptional ability" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig, used to describe noteworthy skills across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, specifying the area of expertise and using strong verbs can enhance its impact. Alternatives such as "a remarkable talent" or "an extraordinary skill" can provide variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable talent

Replaces "ability" with "talent" and "exceptional" with "remarkable", emphasizing innate aptitude.

an extraordinary skill

Substitutes "ability" with "skill" and "exceptional" with "extraordinary", highlighting proficiency.

a unique aptitude

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude" and "exceptional" with "unique", suggesting a distinctive talent.

a prodigious gift

Substitutes "ability" with "gift" and "exceptional" with "prodigious", conveying an extraordinary natural talent.

a supreme capability

Replaces "ability" with "capability" and "exceptional" with "supreme", emphasizing a high level of competence.

an outstanding competence

Substitutes "ability" with "competence" and "exceptional" with "outstanding", highlighting superior proficiency.

a phenomenal expertise

Replaces "ability" with "expertise" and "exceptional" with "phenomenal", suggesting specialized knowledge and skill.

a masterful command

Replaces "ability" with "command" and "exceptional" with "masterful", emphasizing control and skill in a particular area.

a first-rate proficiency

Substitutes "ability" with "proficiency" and "exceptional" with "first-rate", highlighting excellent skill and competence.

an uncommon prowess

Replaces "ability" with "prowess" and "exceptional" with "uncommon", suggesting rare skill and expertise.

FAQs

How can I use "an extraordinary skill" instead of "an exceptional ability"?

You can use "an extraordinary skill" in the same way as "an exceptional ability", to describe someone's notable proficiency. For example, "She has an extraordinary skill in painting" is similar to "She has an exceptional ability in painting".

What's a more formal alternative to "an exceptional ability"?

A more formal alternative would be "a supreme capability" or "an outstanding competence". These options convey a higher degree of formality and are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say 'an exceptional ability at' something?

While it's more common to say "an exceptional ability in" or "an exceptional ability with", using "at" is grammatically acceptable, though less frequent. "She has an exceptional ability at problem-solving" is understandable, but "She has an exceptional ability in problem-solving" or "She has an exceptional ability with problem-solving" are generally preferred.

What is the difference between "an exceptional talent" and "an exceptional ability"?

While both phrases describe someone's proficiency, "an exceptional talent" typically refers to a natural, innate aptitude, while "an exceptional ability" suggests a skill developed through practice or training. Talent is often seen as inherent, whereas ability implies acquired skill.