an unique ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unique ability" is not correct in written English.
The correct article to use before "unique" is "a" because "unique" begins with a consonant sound. Example: "She has a unique ability to solve complex problems quickly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Dumont has an unique ability to create enigmatic, contemporary parables that get under your skin.

The Guardian - Film

The host strain P. pastoris GS115 has an unique ability to grow on minimal media to a very high cell density with a strong tightly regulated alcohol oxidase promoter.

AMB Express

He had an unique ability to unite Americans across racial and ethnic backgrounds to support his political campaign.

Huffington Post

Moreover, both TLR3 and TLR4 with an unique ability to activate IRF-3 and promote the expression of type I IFN and downstream proinflammatory cytokines [ 39], are considered the most overwhelming players in RA development [ 6, 40, 41].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

The virulence of CA-MRSA may in part be related to its ability to produce toxins, such as Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) which has an unique ability to kill leukocytes [ 2], resulting in bacterial evasion of bactericidal function of leukocytes [ 4].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Rock is a comedian with a unique ability to shape historical moments from a perspective that both disquieting and unimpeachable.

HuffPost

HMBS is thought to be expressed as an apoenzyme with a unique ability to assemble its own cofactor.

Bioscience Reports

It is a definite comfort to share a unique ability with such an illustrious group.

Huffington Post

Jay has also worked hard at being an incredibly gifted orator, with a unique ability to light a fire under their audience, spurring them into action.

Vice

These people have a vision for the future and a unique ability to make it a reality.

HuffPost

But the mineral best known as a blue pigment has a unique ability to boost battery performance.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "a" instead of "an" before "unique". The word "unique" begins with a consonant sound, so it requires the indefinite article "a", not "an". For example, use "a unique ability".

Common error

Avoid using "an" before words that start with a consonant sound, even if the first letter is a vowel. "Unique" is pronounced with a 'y' sound at the beginning, making it a consonant sound. Therefore, "a unique ability" is correct, and "an unique ability" is incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unique ability" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular capability. However, Ludwig AI indicates that the correct phrasing is "a unique ability" due to grammatical rules regarding article usage. The phrase aims to attribute a distinctive characteristic to someone or something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "an unique ability" is intended to highlight a distinctive capability, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a unique ability," as "unique" begins with a consonant sound. Although the phrase appears in various contexts, including news and scientific sources, its incorrect grammar affects its credibility, especially in formal writing. For more precise and grammatically sound alternatives, consider using phrases like "a distinctive talent" or "an exceptional aptitude". Always ensure the correct article is used to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinctive talent

Replaces 'unique ability' with 'distinctive talent', emphasizing the natural aptitude or skill.

a singular gift

Uses 'singular gift' to highlight the exceptional and rare nature of the ability.

an exceptional aptitude

Replaces 'unique ability' with 'exceptional aptitude', stressing the outstanding natural capacity.

a remarkable skill

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of the skill, rather than its uniqueness.

a one-of-a-kind capability

Highlights that the capability is unparalleled.

a special attribute

Shifts the focus to a particular characteristic or quality that stands out.

an unparalleled expertise

Indicates an unmatched level of knowledge or skill in a specific area.

a rare competence

Highlights the infrequency and high level of competence.

an uncommon proficiency

Stresses the unusual level of skill and expertise.

a notable strength

Focuses on a particular strong point or advantage.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "an unique ability"?

The correct way to phrase it is "a unique ability". The word "unique" starts with a consonant sound, even though it begins with the vowel 'u', so it takes the article 'a'.

What are some alternatives to "a unique ability"?

You can use alternatives such as "a distinctive talent", "a singular gift", or "an exceptional aptitude" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever correct to use "an" before the word "unique"?

No, it is not correct. The word "unique" always takes the article "a" because it starts with a consonant sound ('yu') regardless of the initial vowel.

What's the difference between "a unique ability" and "a special ability"?

"A unique ability" implies that the ability is one of a kind and unparalleled. "A special ability" suggests that the ability is remarkable or noteworthy but not necessarily one of a kind.