exhibit a talent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exhibit a talent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's ability or skill in a particular area, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "During the talent show, she was able to exhibit a talent for singing that impressed the judges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There she recited the poetry of Shakespeare, Milton, and Nicholas Rowe in the servants' hall and occasionally before aristocratic company, and there also she began to exhibit a talent for sculpture (which was subsequently developed, especially between 1789 and 1790, and of which she later provided samples in busts of herself).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Like so many of his characters, Biguenet exhibits a talent for cultivating emotional distance.

The New York Times - Books

Lockwood's Lady Barbara exists beyond all social restraint, exhibiting a talent for coldblooded murder that shocks even Jackson.

The New York Times

Publishers Weekly: "Tulathimutte exhibits a talent for satire, and a willingness to embrace brutal reality and outright absurdity".

Huffington Post

As a girl, Mary exhibited a natural talent for drawing and was interested in archaeology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He exhibited a precocious talent for the piano as a child & an extraordinary ability for learning almost any subject in school.

The New Yorker

After years of exhibiting a remarkable talent for dreaming up and executing illicit schemes to make money, Bourassa finally started thinking, Why not just make money?

The New Yorker

But Morgan, who died on 5 August 2015, aged 86, argued his corner without losing his temper and exhibiting a considerable talent for debate.

The Guardian

There were those who concluded that a politician as canny as Mr. Clinton, one who had exhibited a special talent for navigating the strains of race and social values within his party, knew precisely what he was doing when he asserted that Senator Barack Obama's campaign had "played the race card on me".

The New York Times

But, even with a minimal mention of Gov. George W. Bush of Texas, Mr. Cheney exhibited an easy talent as an articulate enunciator of facts and a confident defender of his champion.

The New York Times

Hilary's relationship with her friend and confidante Frances is stronger, with Marina Prior exhibiting an underused talent for comedy that pokes fun at her wholesome Carols by Candlelight persona.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exhibit a talent" when you want to highlight someone's skill or ability in a particular area. It often implies a more formal or deliberate showing of that skill.

Common error

Avoid using "exhibit a talent" in very casual or informal situations. Simpler phrases like "show a talent" or "demonstrate skill" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exhibit a talent" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of displaying or showing a particular skill or ability. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correctness and usability in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exhibit a talent" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing the demonstration of a skill. Ludwig confirms its correctness, suggesting it's suitable for formal contexts. While not overly common, it finds use across news media, encyclopedias and scientific publications. When aiming for less formal communication, alternatives like "display a talent" or "demonstrate a talent" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display a talent

Focuses on showing the talent in a visible way.

demonstrate a talent

Emphasizes the act of proving the existence of a talent.

showcase a talent

Highlights the act of presenting a talent in an impressive manner.

reveal a talent

Suggests uncovering a talent that was previously hidden.

manifest a talent

Implies the talent is becoming apparent or obvious.

present a talent

Highlights the act of formally showing a talent.

unveil a talent

Similar to 'reveal', but with a sense of grander presentation.

flaunt a talent

Suggests showing off a talent, sometimes excessively.

exercise a talent

Emphasizes using a talent in a practical or skillful way.

exploit a talent

Implies using a talent for one's own advantage, which can have negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "exhibit a talent" in a sentence?

You can use "exhibit a talent" to describe someone showing their skill in a particular area. For example, "During the competition, she was able to exhibit a talent for public speaking."

What are some alternatives to "exhibit a talent"?

Alternatives include "display a talent", "demonstrate a talent", or "showcase a talent", depending on the specific context.

Is "exhibit a talent" formal or informal?

"Exhibit a talent" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, using "show a talent" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "exhibit a talent" and "possess a talent"?

"Exhibit a talent" means to show or display a skill, whereas "possess a talent" simply means to have a skill, whether or not it is displayed.