faculty of intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faculty of intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the inherent ability or capacity of a person or being to think, reason, and understand. Example: "The faculty of intelligence allows humans to solve complex problems and adapt to new situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead of being represented as occupying a privileged place in nature, as made in the image of God, humanity is represented typically in the Enlightenment as a fully natural creature, devoid of free will, of an immortal soul, and of a non-natural faculty of intelligence or reason.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Talk story about Firmin Faure, a former French geologist of 35 E. 60th Street, who has the faculty of gauging the intelligence of a person by placing a finger on a photograph of his and then counting the vibrations that pass through his own body to a small copper pendulum suspended from his other hand.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, June 5, 1943 P. 13 Talk story about Firmin Faure, a former French geologist of 35 E. 60th Street, who has the faculty of gauging the intelligence of a person by placing a finger on a photograph of his and then counting the vibrations that pass through his own body to a small copper pendulum suspended from his other hand.

The New Yorker

By Eugene Kinkead and Harold Ross The New Yorker, June 5, 1943 P. 13 Talk story about Firmin Faure, a former French geologist of 35 E. 60th Street, who has the faculty of gauging the intelligence of a person by placing a finger on a photograph of his and then counting the vibrations that pass through his own body to a small copper pendulum suspended from his other hand.

The New Yorker

The horse's nervous system is highly developed and gives proof to varying degrees of the essential faculties that are the basis of intelligence: instinct, memory, and judgment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While this is broadly true of all universities, elite schools, precisely because their students (and faculty, and administrators) possess this one form of intelligence to such a high degree, are more apt to ignore the value of others.

The New York Times

In Western Philosophy, the earliest discussions of dualist ideas are in the writings of Plato who maintained that humans' "intelligence" (a faculty of the mind or soul) could not be identified with, or explained in terms of, their physical body.

Wikipedia

In various writings, Kepler often attributed a kind of intelligence to the inborn motive faculties associated with the stars.

Wikipedia

Terman joined the faculty of Stanford University in 1910, where he became professor of education in 1916, the year he published The Measurement of Intelligence, a guide for his Stanford revision and enlargement of the earlier Binet-Simon intelligence scale developed in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is a faculty whose intelligence you should not insult," he said.

The New York Times

Perhaps in ascending order of intelligence?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the inherent intellectual abilities of a person or entity, use "faculty of intelligence" to emphasize a natural or intrinsic capacity rather than acquired knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "faculty of intelligence" when describing expertise gained through study or experience; instead, opt for terms like "knowledge" or "expertise."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "faculty of intelligence" is that of a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to the inherent capacity or set of mental abilities associated with intelligence, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "faculty of intelligence" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote the inherent capacity for intellectual abilities. While Ludwig indicates its usage is rare, it primarily appears in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. It's best suited for formal and scientific discussions about the nature of intelligence, emphasizing intrinsic capabilities rather than acquired knowledge. Alternatives include "intellectual capacity" or "cognitive ability". This phrase should be used judiciously to maintain clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual capacity

Focuses on the inherent ability to understand and reason.

cognitive capability

Emphasizes the mental processes involved in knowing, learning, and understanding.

intellectual prowess

Highlights exceptional skill and expertise in intellectual activities.

mental acumen

Stresses sharpness and quickness of intellect.

cognitive faculty

Similar to the original phrase but uses a singular form.

capacity for reason

Highlights the ability to think logically.

power of intellect

Emphasizes the strength and potential of the mind.

reasoning ability

Specifically refers to the ability to draw conclusions and make judgments.

intellectual endowment

Focuses on the natural ability someone is born with.

cognitive potential

Highlights the undeveloped capacity for intellectual growth.

FAQs

How can I use "faculty of intelligence" in a sentence?

You can use "faculty of intelligence" to refer to the inherent mental capabilities of an individual or species. For example: "The faculty of intelligence allows humans to solve complex problems."

What are some alternatives to "faculty of intelligence"?

You can use alternatives like "intellectual capacity", "cognitive ability", or "reasoning ability" depending on the specific context.

Is "faculty of intelligence" the same as "level of intelligence"?

No, "faculty of intelligence" refers to the inherent capacity for intellectual activity, while "level of intelligence" implies a measured degree or extent of that capacity.

In what contexts is "faculty of intelligence" most appropriately used?

"Faculty of intelligence" is best used in philosophical, scientific, or academic discussions about the fundamental nature and capabilities of the mind. More common terms may be suitable for everyday conversations.