cunning ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cunning ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a skill or talent that involves cleverness or deceitfulness in achieving a goal. Example: "Her cunning ability to manipulate situations to her advantage often left others in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Linkola has a cunning ability to blend reasonable ecological precepts with shocking authoritarian solutions.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Mr. Corzine has once against demonstrated a cunning ability to walk right up to the line without crossing it".

The New York Times

Wilde's cunning ability turns the tables on several of the natives, but he must also survive the dangers of the jungle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the novelist's art is a cunning ability to lure the reader into treating counterfeit bills as if they were current.

The New York Times - Books

Beckinsale is a hoot to watch as a character with no redeemable qualities, except for her cunning ability to get what she wants.

The Guardian - Film

She's a hoot to watch as Lady Susan Vernon, a widow with the cunning ability to get what she wants using her wit, smarts and looks.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's also the elephant in the center of the living room, cunning in its ability to avoid notice.

The New York Times

Gino Segrè opens his book with a cunning observation: "Our ability to measure temperature is only a few hundred years old".

The New York Times - Books

Spall, like my visitor, shows how the truly desperate often combine rat-like cunning with the ability to refashion themselves in the moment.

The Guardian

If everything is predetermined to go his way, then why should I be impressed by his masterful cunning or physical abilities?" My father was beaming: "Exactly!

The New Yorker

Or, possibly, a cunning brand figurehead with the ability to appear business-savvy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's skillset, consider the specific context and choose synonyms for "cunning ability" that accurately reflect the nature of their skill. For instance, use "astute ability" in a business context or "deceptive skill" when referring to espionage.

Common error

Avoid using "cunning ability" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or positive connotation is desired. Opt for terms like "strategic thinking" or "problem-solving skills" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cunning ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "cunning" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "ability". This phrase typically describes a skill or talent characterized by cleverness and resourcefulness, sometimes with a hint of deceit. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cunning ability" denotes a skill marked by cleverness and strategic thinking, often implying a resourcefulness that may border on deceit. Grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase with "cunning" modifying "ability". While not overly formal, it appears across diverse sources, including news media and encyclopedias, and its meaning is shaped significantly by context. Alternative phrases like "shrewd skill" or "clever knack" offer subtle shifts in connotation. Ultimately, when using "cunning ability", consider your audience and aim for precision in conveying the nature of the skill you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrewd skill

Replaces 'cunning' with 'shrewd', emphasizing intelligence and good judgement.

astute capability

Substitutes 'cunning' with 'astute' and 'ability' with 'capability', highlighting perceptiveness and competence.

deceptive skill

Replaces 'cunning' with 'deceptive', focusing on the manipulative aspect of the skill.

artful talent

Emphasizes the creativity and skill in achieving a goal, replacing 'cunning' with 'artful'.

clever knack

Uses 'clever' and 'knack' to convey the idea of innate skill and ingenuity.

ingenious aptitude

Replaces 'cunning' with 'ingenious' and 'ability' with 'aptitude', stressing inventiveness and natural talent.

sly proficiency

Substitutes 'cunning' with 'sly' and 'ability' with 'proficiency', highlighting secretiveness and expertise.

wily expertise

Emphasizes experience and resourcefulness using 'wily' instead of 'cunning' and 'expertise' instead of 'ability'.

crafty competence

Replaces 'cunning' with 'crafty' and 'ability' with 'competence', focusing on skill gained through practice and experience.

resourceful talent

Highlights the capacity to find clever ways to overcome difficulties, using 'resourceful' instead of 'cunning'.

FAQs

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

You can use "cunning ability" to describe someone's skill in achieving goals through clever or slightly deceptive means. For example: "Her "cunning ability" to manipulate situations often gave her an advantage."

What are some alternatives to "cunning ability"?

Some alternatives include "shrewd skill", "astute capability", or "clever knack", depending on the context.

Is "cunning ability" always negative in connotation?

While "cunning" can imply deceit, "cunning ability" isn't always negative. It can describe a cleverness used to overcome challenges. The context determines the connotation.

What is the difference between "cunning ability" and "strategic thinking"?

"Cunning ability" often suggests a manipulative or slightly dishonest approach, while "strategic thinking" implies careful planning and cleverness without necessarily involving deceit.