common ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"common ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a talent or skill that most people possess. For example, "Most people have the common ability to learn a language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

-Why might it be important or interesting to believe that all human beings share a common ability to understand the world that goes beyond language?

The New York Times

Further Questions for Discussion: -To what degree, if at all, do you believe that all human beings share a common ability to communicate without language?

The New York Times

There will also be columns from Specials founder Jerry Dammers on Sun Ra, Simon Reynolds on Scritti Politti, Throbbing Gristle' Genesis Breyer P-Orridge on psychedelic artists Hapshash And The Coloured Coat and comedian Stewart Lee on "the common ability of great humour and great music to surprise".

The Guardian - Music

He and his colleagues wrote that the common ability to learn rules about numbers is an example either of different groups — birds and primates, in this case — evolving these abilities separately, or of both pigeons and primates using an ability that was already present in their last common ancestor.

The New York Times - Science

Despite the common ability to bind phosphate, their roles are not yet clear [1].

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

Without coherent teaching practices and a common ability standard for reference, the English teaching and assessment practice in China is inefficient, resulting in a waste of educational resources.

Language Testing in Asia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Idealism and faith in our common abilities, after all, are what built the United States into a great nation.

Huffington Post

Thus, to have a balanced design, the analysis for Year 1 was conducted using a reduced form, that is using only the three common abilities in the eight units since systematic missing data cannot be legitimately incorporated in the model proposed.

BMC Medical Education

It is important to emphasise that conclusions regarding generalist genes apply to common abilities and disabilities whose origins involve multiple genes and multiple environmental influences, not to rare single-gene disorders such as Phenylketonuria or chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome.

Current Directions in Psychological Science

A. Shared interests in common B. Ability to avoid or prevent intense emotional conflict C. Ability to manage differences effectively D. Shared political views E. Strong bonds of affection established early in the relationship.

Huffington Post

Successful places have in common the ability to attract people and to enable them to collaborate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill or attribute shared by a group, use "common ability" to emphasize its widespread presence. For instance, "a common ability among musicians is perfect pitch".

Common error

Avoid using "common ability" when you're referring to a highly specialized skill. This phrase is best suited for abilities that are generally accessible or widely distributed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "common" modifies "ability." Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It describes a skill or trait that is widely shared or generally present.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common ability" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe a skill or attribute that is widespread, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase with a neutral register, making it appropriate for various contexts, including science, news media, and general discussions. Alternative phrases like "shared aptitude" or "universal skill" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared aptitude

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude", emphasizing a natural talent.

universal skill

Substitutes "common" with "universal", highlighting widespread prevalence.

general capability

Uses "capability" instead of "ability", focusing on a broader capacity.

widespread talent

Emphasizes "talent" as a natural or acquired skill, commonly found.

collective competence

Highlights the group aspect of possessing the ability.

typical skill

Replaces "common" with "typical", indicating normalcy or usualness.

standard proficiency

Focuses on a "proficiency" that is at an expected level.

basic capacity

Highlights the fundamental nature of the ability.

ordinary talent

Emphasizes that the "talent" is not exceptional or unusual.

usual competence

Indicates an expected level of skill or competence.

FAQs

How can I use "common ability" in a sentence?

You can use "common ability" to describe a skill or trait that is widely shared. For example, "A "common ability" among humans is the capacity for language".

What is a good alternative to "common ability"?

Alternatives include "shared aptitude", "universal skill", or "general capability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "common shared ability"?

Yes, saying "common shared ability" is generally redundant because "common" already implies that something is shared. It's best to stick with just ""common ability"".

What's the difference between "common ability" and "average ability"?

"Common ability" refers to a skill that many people possess, while "average ability" describes the typical level of skill within a population. "Common ability" emphasizes prevalence, whereas "average ability" highlights a statistical measure.