an exceptional ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 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

21 human-written examples

He ranks fifth among bowlers in test matches and No. 1 in both one-day internationals and Twenty20, and draws on a mix of control and exceptional ability to deceive the batsman.

The New York Times - Sports

As an adhesion receptor, it has the exceptional ability to bind vitronectin, fibronectin and fibrinogen, the three major proteins present in the wound provisional matrix [ 9].

BMC Ophthalmology

The correspondent even notes with wonder Billie's exceptional ability to row despite having worked a double shift before the ship sank.

Wikipedia

This class of proteases serves as important regulatory elements through their exceptional ability to lyse peptide bonds within a cell membrane [ 29].

BMC Genomics

He doesn't have any particular formula for arriving at the handicap of a boat, he relies on his excellent memory and the exceptional ability to judge lines.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's strengths, use "an exceptional ability to" followed by a specific verb to highlight their proficiency in a particular skill. This adds clarity and impact to your description.

Common error

Avoid pairing "an exceptional ability to" with vague verbs like 'do' or 'manage'. Instead, specify the precise action or task where the ability is evident to create a more impactful and informative sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional ability to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It highlights a particularly strong skill or talent, enhancing the description of a person or thing. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts, confirming its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exceptional ability to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone's remarkable skill or talent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards professional settings. To maximize impact, pair it with specific verbs and avoid overuse with vague actions. Consider alternatives like "extraordinary talent" or "remarkable skill" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extraordinary talent for

Replaces 'ability' with 'talent' and 'exceptional' with 'extraordinary', slightly emphasizing innate skill.

a remarkable skill in

Substitutes 'exceptional ability' with 'remarkable skill', providing a more concise expression.

a unique aptitude for

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the skill using 'unique aptitude'.

a superior capability in

Highlights the high level of competence using 'superior capability'.

an outstanding proficiency in

Replaces 'exceptional ability' with 'outstanding proficiency', focusing on expertise.

a special gift for

Suggests an inherent talent, replacing 'ability' with 'gift'.

a natural flair for

Emphasizes the ease and grace with which the skill is performed.

an innate talent for

Stresses that the talent is inborn rather than acquired.

a first-rate expertise in

Highlights the high quality and knowledge involved in the skill.

a world-class mastery of

Indicates the highest level of skill, suggesting expertise that is recognized globally.

FAQs

How can I use "an exceptional ability to" in a sentence?

Use "an exceptional ability to" to highlight someone's remarkable skill or talent. For example, "She has "an exceptional ability to" communicate complex ideas clearly".

What are some alternatives to "an exceptional ability to"?

You can use alternatives like "an extraordinary talent for", "a remarkable skill in", or "a unique aptitude for", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "exceptional ability to excel"?

Yes, using "excel" after "an exceptional ability to" can be redundant. Instead, specify the area where they excel. For instance, say "an exceptional ability to problem-solve" rather than "an exceptional ability to excel".

What's the difference between "an exceptional ability to" and "a strong inclination towards"?

"An exceptional ability to" indicates a demonstrated skill, while "a strong inclination towards" suggests a preference or tendency. For example, someone might have "an exceptional ability to" play the piano, but only a "a strong inclination towards" classical music.