cognitive abilities

USAGE SUMMARY

"cognitive abilities" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge, understanding, and making decisions. For example, "Recent studies have revealed a strong correlation between physical activity and improved cognitive abilities".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I knew my cognitive abilities were 100%.

The Guardian

"They are different skills than cognitive abilities".

The New York Times

It's entirely outside your cognitive abilities.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human cognitive abilities decline with age.

MIT Technology Review

Different individuals have different needs, cognitive abilities and flashpoints.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How parents can maximize children's cognitive abilities.

Cornell University

Cognitive abilities decline as people tire.

Harvard University

Such matters are probably beyond their cognitive abilities.

The New York Times

But the F.T.C.'s order covered only cognitive abilities.

The New York Times

From The Atlantic: how being poor affects your cognitive abilities.

The New York Times

As we age, our cognitive abilities tend to decline.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cognitive abilities" when referring to the general capacity for mental processes; for specific skills, consider using terms like "problem-solving skills" or "analytical abilities".

Common error

Avoid using "cognitive abilities" as a blanket term without specifying the specific cognitive processes involved. Instead of saying "His cognitive abilities are strong", specify "His memory and attention span are excellent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cognitive abilities" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object or subject in a sentence. It refers to the range of mental processes that enable individuals to learn, reason, and understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

46%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cognitive abilities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term referring to the mental processes involved in learning, understanding, and reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and news media. When writing, it's beneficial to specify which "cognitive abilities" you are discussing to avoid overgeneralization, such as memory or attention. While alternatives like "mental capacity" or "intellectual function" exist, "cognitive abilities" remains the most common and versatile choice for general use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental capacities

Replaces "abilities" with "capacities", emphasizing the potential or inherent capability of the mind.

cognitive function

Substitutes "abilities" with "function", focusing on how cognitive processes operate and enable someone to achieve goals.

intellectual functions

Substitutes "cognitive" with "intellectual" and "abilities" with "functions", highlighting the operational aspects of intelligence.

mental skills

Focuses on the developed proficiency in cognitive tasks, using "skills" instead of "abilities".

thinking skills

More straightforward term to describe the application of cognitive processes. It focuses primarily on thought-related abilities.

reasoning skills

Highlights the capacity for logical thought and inference as a key component of cognitive function.

problem-solving skills

Emphasizes the application of cognitive processes to resolve challenges and find solutions.

brainpower

An informal term referring to intellectual ability.

intellectual capacity

Highlights someone's capacity to perform higher-level cognitive tasks.

mental acuity

Highlights the sharpness and quickness of thought processes.

FAQs

How do you use "cognitive abilities" in a sentence?

You can use "cognitive abilities" to describe someone's mental skills. For example, "Regular exercise can improve one's "cognitive abilities"".

What's a good substitute for "cognitive abilities"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "cognitive abilities" include "mental capacity", "intellectual function", or "thinking skills".

Is it correct to say "cognitive ability" instead of "cognitive abilities"?

While "cognitive ability" can be used in a singular sense to refer to the general capacity for cognitive function, "cognitive abilities" is typically used when discussing multiple aspects or specific types of cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.

What factors can affect "cognitive abilities"?

Many factors can influence "cognitive abilities", including age, genetics, nutrition, education, and lifestyle choices. Conditions like stress, sleep deprivation, and certain medical conditions can also have an impact.