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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
distinctive abilities
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
His distinctive abilities enable him to change the nature of a game and the state of a franchise, particularly for an undersized club like the Knicks.
News & Media
A minimal but clever class system – there are just three, Scout, Assault and Support, with distinctive abilities – encourages you take a rounded approach; just camping and meleeing won't pay dividends, for example.
News & Media
Judy doesn't seem to have a better mind or more distinctive abilities or talents than the average young woman — she is the average young woman, but one who radiates a powerful, iridescent allure when she's dressed the right way and made up the right way and when the light and Scotty's eye (or the camera-eye) catch her the right way.
News & Media
And now it's been sequenced for the first time, providing clues to the creature's distinctive abilities.
Science & Research
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Larry Coker, Miami's first-year head coach, said he had long been convinced that Buchanon has distinctive ability.
News & Media
But he remains a master of storytelling, with a distinctive ability to ally the personal to the political.
News & Media
Berry, a man with the distinctive ability to pelvic-thrust with his larynx, is no stranger to the voiceover himself.
News & Media
His distinctive ability to blend Italian film soundtracks, garage fuzz, krautrock and punk and translate them into a hip-hop context is very cool.
News & Media
The role came to define her distinctive ability to combine precision with extreme speed and uninhibited joy, and Ms. Ashley performed it until her long career ended in 1997.
News & Media
It's no coincidence that Cage starred in these minor masterpieces, doing so with that distinctive ability to perform with obvious, playful knowingness, yet without madly winking at his audience to prove that he's above all this, really.
News & Media
According to Chua's theory, the memristor must have important and distinctive ability.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing someone's "distinctive abilities", provide specific examples to illustrate their unique skills and talents. Avoid generalizations.
Common error
While "distinctive abilities" is acceptable, consider stronger synonyms like "exceptional talents" or "remarkable proficiencies" in highly formal or academic writing to enhance impact.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "distinctive abilities" functions as a noun phrase, where 'distinctive' modifies 'abilities'. It serves to describe specific and unique skills or talents that set an individual or entity apart, in line with Ludwig's examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "distinctive abilities" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon way to describe unique skills and talents. Ludwig indicates that its function is to highlight specific qualities, often with the intent of emphasizing what sets something or someone apart. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, exhibiting a neutral register suitable for various professional and general communications. Related phrases include "unique talents" and "exceptional skills", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. When using "distinctive abilities", specificity is key to effectively illustrate the described skills.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
unique talents
Replaces 'abilities' with 'talents', emphasizing natural aptitude.
exceptional skills
Substitutes 'distinctive' with 'exceptional', highlighting the high quality of the skills.
special attributes
Uses 'attributes' instead of 'abilities', focusing on inherent qualities.
particular strengths
Replaces 'abilities' with 'strengths', emphasizing areas of competence.
notable capabilities
Substitutes 'distinctive' with 'notable' and 'abilities' with 'capabilities', indicating significant skills.
standout qualities
Focuses on qualities that make someone or something different and better.
remarkable proficiencies
Replaces 'abilities' with 'proficiencies', suggesting a high level of skill.
uncommon aptitudes
Highlights natural tendencies or inclinations toward certain skills.
signature traits
Emphasizes characteristics that are uniquely associated with someone or something.
defining characteristics
Focuses on the features that are most important in identifying something or someone.
FAQs
How can I effectively use "distinctive abilities" in a sentence?
Use "distinctive abilities" to highlight specific and unique skills or talents that set someone or something apart. For example, "Her "distinctive abilities" in coding made her an invaluable asset to the team".
What are some alternatives to using "distinctive abilities"?
Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "unique talents", "exceptional skills", or "special attributes".
In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the term "distinctive abilities"?
The phrase "distinctive abilities" is suitable for professional, academic, or general contexts where you want to emphasize unique skills or talents. It's frequently found in news, science and media.
How does "distinctive abilities" compare to "unique skills"?
"Unique skills" is a similar phrase, but "distinctive abilities" often implies a more inherent or innate quality. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the uniqueness or the inherent nature of the skills.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested