an inborn skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inborn skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a talent or ability that someone is naturally born with, rather than one that is learned or developed over time. Example: "Her ability to play the piano beautifully is truly an inborn skill that has amazed everyone since she was a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Playing tennis is not an inborn skill.

Columbia University

Even babies as young as 6 months old notice difference in face color, suggesting that it's an inborn skill.

University of California, Berkeley

It's not an inborn skill, but it can be learned, and it can improve with practice.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And then he had the cold nerve and the inborn skill to score a second time with his other foot to win the game, 2-1.

The New York Times - Sports

It is the perfect inborn skill for his silent, carefully shaded vision.

The New York Times - Arts

Make sure before being bred that your horse has 100 BLUP to make sure your horse is more likely a green star as well as good inborn skills which help to achieve success on howrse.

WikiHow

It's just another step in humanity's imitation of the inborn skills of other animals through technology.

The Guardian - Arts

250+ or more inborn skills.

WikiHow

However, it is still helpful when raising inborn skills.

WikiHow

Some foals come with inborn skills or green stars so they will be easier to train.

WikiHow

But research suggests that artistic creativity, along with other kinds of creativity, is more of a skill than an inborn talent, and it's a skill parents can help their kids develop.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an inborn skill" when emphasizing that a particular talent or ability is natural and not learned. This highlights the inherent nature of the skill.

Common error

Avoid describing skills developed through practice and learning as "an inborn skill". This diminishes the effort and dedication involved in acquiring those skills. Instead, reserve the phrase for truly inherent talents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inborn skill" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "skill". It specifies the origin and nature of the skill, indicating that it is inherent rather than acquired. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an inborn skill" is a grammatically correct way to describe a talent or ability someone is born with, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most often found in academic and news contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage is straightforward, and several alternatives exist, such as "a natural talent" or "an innate ability". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a skill present from birth, avoiding the misattribution of learned abilities. Overall, it’s a reliable way to communicate the inherent nature of a particular skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a natural talent

Emphasizes inherent aptitude, replacing "skill" with a more common term for natural ability.

an innate ability

"Innate" highlights the inherent nature of the ability, similar to "inborn".

a gift from birth

Focuses on the origin of the skill, suggesting it was present from the beginning.

a natural aptitude

Replaces "skill" with "aptitude", indicating a natural inclination or talent.

an inherent talent

"Inherent" emphasizes that the talent is an essential part of someone's nature.

a predisposition

Highlights a pre-existing tendency or inclination toward a particular skill or ability.

a natural gift

Uses "gift" to denote a special, inborn ability.

an instinctive talent

"Instinctive" emphasizes the natural, unlearned nature of the talent.

a congenital ability

"Congenital" stresses that the ability is present from birth, similar to "inborn".

a genetic predisposition

Connects the ability to genetic factors, highlighting its inherited nature.

FAQs

What does "an inborn skill" mean?

The phrase "an inborn skill" refers to a talent or ability that someone possesses naturally from birth, rather than one that is learned or developed through practice.

What are some alternatives to "an inborn skill"?

You can use alternatives like "a natural talent", "an innate ability", or "a natural aptitude" to convey a similar meaning.

How do I use "an inborn skill" in a sentence?

You can use "an inborn skill" to describe someone's natural talent. For example: "Her musical talent is truly an inborn skill."

Is "an inborn skill" the same as "a learned skill"?

No, "an inborn skill" is a talent someone is born with, while a learned skill is developed through training and experience. They are opposite concepts.