exceptional ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional ability" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a special talent or skill that sets them apart from others. Example: Sarah's exceptional ability in mathematics allowed her to solve complex equations that even her classmates struggled with.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exceptional ability was confirmed in each case.

Harvard University

He also had an exceptional ability to encourage young writers.

The Guardian

His loyal dedication and exceptional ability will be greatly missed.

The New York Times

It has no especial link with exceptional ability.

The Guardian

He also possessed an exceptional ability to accelerate.

The Guardian - Sport

Geraldine McCaughrean has an exceptional ability to tell stories without reducing them to didactic commentary.

The Guardian - Books

It was in that role that he established himself as a union official of exceptional ability.

The Guardian

In the last he recruits an American Indian of exceptional ability.

The Guardian - Books

The second body of research investigates the nature of exceptional ability and how it arises.

The New York Times - Books

Minnifield has an exceptional ability to turn and locate the football on the run.

The New York Times

"But the people in baseball that I've spoken to describe a toolsy player with exceptional ability.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptional ability" to highlight a specific skill or talent that significantly exceeds the norm. Be sure to provide context or examples to illustrate the extent of this ability.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptional ability" as a generic compliment. Instead, specify the area where the ability is exceptional. For example, instead of "He has exceptional ability", say "He has exceptional ability in data analysis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "exceptional" modifies the noun "ability". It describes the degree or quality of someone's capacity to do something. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting the phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe special talents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exceptional ability" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a skill or talent that is significantly above average. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to highlight a specific talent that sets someone apart. It finds frequent use in news, science, and academic contexts. To use the phrase effectively, be specific about the area where the ability is exceptional. Related phrases include "remarkable talent" and "outstanding skill". Overuse without specific context is a common pitfall to avoid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable talent

Replaces 'ability' with 'talent', emphasizing innate aptitude.

outstanding skill

Substitutes 'ability' with 'skill', focusing on acquired proficiency.

extraordinary aptitude

Uses 'aptitude' instead of 'ability', highlighting a natural inclination.

uncommon proficiency

Replaces both 'exceptional' and 'ability' to denote a rare level of competence.

notable competence

Emphasizes a level of demonstrated capability that is worthy of attention.

superior capability

Highlights a level of ability that is higher than others.

high level of expertise

Focuses on the advanced knowledge and skill in a particular area.

demonstrated mastery

Highlights the accomplishment of a very high level of skill or knowledge.

considerable prowess

Indicates a remarkable skill or talent, often in a specific field.

unique gift

Emphasizes a special, often inherent, talent or ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceptional ability" to describe someone's outstanding skill or talent in a specific area. For example: "Her "exceptional ability" to solve complex problems made her an invaluable asset to the team."

What are some synonyms for "exceptional ability"?

Some synonyms for "exceptional ability" include "remarkable talent", "outstanding skill", and "extraordinary aptitude".

Is it redundant to say "exceptional ability"?

While "ability" on its own implies a degree of skill, adding "exceptional" emphasizes that the skill is significantly above average. It is not necessarily redundant if you want to highlight the extraordinary nature of the skill.

What's the difference between "exceptional ability" and "good ability"?

"Good ability" indicates a skill that is above average or satisfactory. "Exceptional ability" suggests a skill that is far beyond the ordinary, indicating a talent that is rare and highly valuable.