general abilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general abilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad range of skills or competencies that a person possesses. Example: "In this assessment, we will evaluate the general abilities of the candidates to determine their suitability for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Improve specific, not general, abilities.

Harvard Business Review

Only 40% of employers, however, do any tests of skills or general abilities, including IQ.

Harvard Business Review

Graduates of history or biology need their specialist knowledge but also general abilities to organise, interpret and articulate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Also, a number of layers from the tenth SPE comparative study problem are used to examine general abilities of the method when facing realistic reservoir problems.

Journal of Computational Physics

Here the defender of (CA) might avail herself of the distinction between specific and general abilities.

SEP

General abilities are those that can be applied across tasks or knowledge domains.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"We now consider creativity as a general ability," Barbot said.

The New Yorker

So it was a brand new behavior demanding some kind of general ability to learn.

The New York Times - Science

In those cases, regular exercise appears to improve the brain's general ability to remember.

The New York Times

The training epoch size affects the general ability of the system.

Expert Systems with Applications

Other theorists believe that intelligence is a general ability that is translatable from one field to another.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a person's potential, use "general abilities" to highlight the breadth of their skill set, especially when those skills are applicable across multiple domains.

Common error

Avoid using "general abilities" when you specifically mean expertise in a particular area. "General abilities" refer to a broad range of capabilities, not deep knowledge in a single field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general abilities" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a range of broad skills applicable across various contexts, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

30%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "general abilities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression referring to a broad range of skills applicable across different domains. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, reflecting its use in describing and assessing overall competence. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish it from specific skills and to consider alternatives like "overall capabilities" or "transferable skills" to better suit the specific context. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's correctness and broad applicability, making it a valuable term in discussions of human potential and skill sets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall capabilities

Focuses on the comprehensive scope of someone's capacity.

broad skills

Emphasizes the range and variety of skills possessed.

versatile talents

Highlights the adaptability and diverse nature of the talents.

transferable skills

Focuses on skills that can be applied across different contexts.

core competencies

Emphasizes the fundamental and essential abilities.

foundational skills

Highlights skills that serve as a base for further development.

basic proficiencies

Refers to the fundamental level of skill in various areas.

cross-functional expertise

Highlights expertise applicable in various functional areas.

holistic aptitude

Implies a comprehensive and well-rounded aptitude.

all-round competence

Emphasizes competence in a wide array of tasks and areas.

FAQs

How can I use "general abilities" in a sentence?

You can use "general abilities" to describe someone's overall skill set, as in, "The assessment evaluated the candidates' "general abilities" to handle complex tasks."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "general abilities"?

Alternatives include "overall capabilities", "broad skills", or "transferable skills depending" on the specific context.

What is the difference between "general abilities" and "specific skills"?

"General abilities" refer to broad, applicable skills, while "specific skills" are specialized proficiencies in a particular area. One might have strong "general abilities" but require training for "specific skills".

Is it correct to say "a general ability" instead of "general abilities"?

While grammatically correct, "a general ability" refers to a single overarching capability. "General abilities" implies a collection or range of such capabilities. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing one key attribute or multiple capabilities.