fundamental ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to a basic aptitude or inherent talent. For example, "The cornerstone of her success is her fundamental ability to think outside the box".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Another presentation focuses on improving our fundamental ability to predict tropical cyclones.

Columbia University

Recognition of elements and patterns in the environment is an evolutionary fundamental ability of ours.

Clinical Neurophysiology

Behavioral experiments, with their fundamental ability to study causality, are an important methodology in reaching this goal.

Harvard University

It is our belief that people have the fundamental ability to help and support others through personal interaction.

Stanford University

'The fundamental ability of a writer to write about real life is at stake,' said Guy Konopnicki, a novelist and journalist.

The Guardian

"Marchant's work was very sensitive in being able to see the model in areas of tone, which is the fundamental ability of the skilled mezzotinter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Children arrive in middle school without fundamental abilities in non-tested areas.

The Washington Post

Social skills involve two fundamental abilities: the ability to manage yourself and the ability to manage others (relationships).

Harvard Business Review

The lack of fundamental abilities and formal educational in entrepreneurship contribute to SME closure (Arasti et al. 2014).

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

In this model judgment is viewed as a specifically political ability, namely, as "the ability to see things not only from one's own point of view but from the perspective of all those who happen to be present," and as being "one of the fundamental abilities of man as a political being insofar as it enables him to orient himself in the public realm, in the common world" (BPF, 221).

SEP

It proposes that humans differ in fundamental abilities because of innate differences, that these innate differences are biologically inherited, and that human nature guarantees the formation of a hierarchical society -- top dogs and bottom dogs.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental ability" to emphasize a core, underlying competence that is essential for a particular task or field. For instance, in writing, a "fundamental ability" is understanding grammar.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental ability" for skills that are merely helpful or supplementary; reserve it for capabilities that are truly foundational and without which further progress is impossible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "fundamental" modifies the noun "ability". It describes a basic, underlying capability essential for further development or success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate to describe a person's core competence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a core, underlying competence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a basic aptitude or inherent talent. It is commonly found in academic, scientific, and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To enhance your writing, ensure that you use it to describe truly essential capabilities. Remember that alternatives like ""basic capability"" or ""essential skill"" may offer a better fit depending on the nuance you want to convey. Finally, avoid overstating the importance of a skill by calling it a "fundamental ability" when it is merely helpful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic capability

Replaces "ability" with "capability", focusing on the potential to perform.

essential skill

Substitutes "ability" with "skill", highlighting learned proficiency.

core competence

Emphasizes a central and defining strength.

foundational capacity

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", stressing the underlying potential.

inherent talent

Focuses on an innate, natural aptitude.

primary aptitude

Highlights a natural inclination or skill.

key attribute

Shifts the focus to a notable characteristic.

requisite faculty

Emphasizes a necessary power or talent.

basic proficiency

Highlights basic skill level in performing an activity.

underlying potential

Emphasizes the unrealized capacity for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental ability" to describe a basic skill or talent that is essential for something. For example: "The "fundamental ability" of a musician is to hear the nuances in sound".

What are some alternatives to "fundamental ability"?

Some alternatives to "fundamental ability" include "basic capability", "essential skill", or "core competence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'fundamental ability' or should I use another phrase?

"Fundamental ability" is a correct and commonly used phrase. The choice of whether to use it depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Consider alternatives if you want to emphasize a slightly different aspect, such as "inherent talent" or "foundational capacity".

What is the difference between "fundamental ability" and "basic skill"?

While both refer to a level of competence, "fundamental ability" often implies an innate or inherent capacity, whereas "basic skill" suggests a learned proficiency. Therefore, a "basic skill" can be developed while a "fundamental ability" is often seen as a pre-existing attribute.