facility with language

USAGE SUMMARY

"facility with language" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to a person's skillfulness with language, and can be used in a sentence like "She has an impressive facility with language, which allows her to express her ideas clearly and concisely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

For Vengerova, it was Hacks's facility with language that set him apart.

The New Yorker

But I regret I didn't have the facility with language that I have now.

The Guardian

She has a wonderful facility with language – this could have been a monologue scripted by Alan Bennett.

The Guardian

He said Mr. Obama's facility with language gives him the ability to talk around governments directly to people.

The New York Times

He sang beautifully, and he had an immaculate sense of style and a matchless facility with language.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But she said her friend retained "a facility with language" after graduating from law school in 1984.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Because of his facility with languages, he was made a liaison to the French and, later, the Russian Army.

The New York Times

Beyond their respective artistic talents, the books were enhanced by his easy access to top figures in culture and other fields and her great facility with languages.

The New York Times - Arts

Many monsters followed, both in England and in the rest of Europe, where Mr. Lee's exotic handsomeness and facility with languages proved an asset.

The New York Times

In Catalonia, Mourinho's supreme facility with languages led to a translator's post, then a coaching role and finally the offer of a managerial job in Portugal.

The Guardian - Sport

His facility with languages helped him survive: He spoke Russian with the Russian soldiers, Ukrainian with the Ukrainians and German with the Germans, reserving Hebrew for private spaces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "facility with language" when you want to emphasize someone's natural talent or learned skill in using language effectively.

Common error

While both terms relate to language skills, "facility" implies a broader skill set encompassing vocabulary, grammar, and style, whereas "fluency" primarily refers to the ease and speed of communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facility with language" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition to describe someone's competence or skill in using language. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "facility with language" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that denotes proficiency and skill in using language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and widely usable. Predominantly found in News & Media, Arts, and Books, this phrase aptly characterizes one's competence in articulating thoughts and ideas effectively. When using this expression, remember that "facility" highlights a broad skillset, distinct from mere "fluency". Whether you're praising a writer's articulate prose or acknowledging a speaker's gift for gab, "facility with language" serves as a valuable descriptor of linguistic prowess.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

linguistic proficiency

Emphasizes the degree of competence in language skills.

language aptitude

Focuses on the natural ability to learn and use languages.

verbal dexterity

Highlights skill and agility in using words.

command of language

Stresses a high degree of control and mastery over language.

articulateness

Refers to the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively.

eloquence

Implies a fluent, forceful, and persuasive style of speaking or writing.

fluency in language

Highlights the smoothness and ease of language use.

gift for gab

An informal way to describe someone who speaks easily and confidently.

mastery of rhetoric

Emphasizes skill in using language persuasively.

verbal fluency

Indicates an easy flow of words and ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "facility with language" in a sentence?

You can use "facility with language" to describe someone's skill in using language. For example, "Her facility with language allowed her to excel in her writing class."

What are some synonyms for "facility with language"?

Some synonyms include "linguistic proficiency", "verbal dexterity", and "command of language".

Is "facility with language" formal or informal?

"Facility with language" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "facility with language" and "facility with languages"?

"Facility with language" refers to skill in using a particular language, while "facility with languages" refers to skill in using multiple languages.