great ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe someone or something that has accomplished something remarkable. For example: John demonstrated great ability as he managed to solve the puzzle in record time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's got great ability.

The New York Times - Sports

"She has great ability.

The New York Times

He's got great ability, great attitude.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a great ability to have.

The New York Times

He is a horse of great ability.

The New Yorker

She's got a great ability to communicate.

Independent

"She has a great ability to compartmentalize," said a friend.

The Guardian

Bankers, Falciani observed, have a great "ability to adapt".

The New Yorker

I think Reddit has some great ability to do that".

The New York Times

And this has lead to a great ability with actors.

The Guardian - Film

"He had this great ability at the stove, great confidence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "great ability", be specific about the context or area in which they excel. Instead of saying "She has great ability", specify "She has great ability in mathematics."

Common error

Avoid using "great ability" as a generic compliment. It's more impactful to highlight specific skills or achievements rather than making a general statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "great" modifies the noun "ability". It typically serves to describe or characterize someone or something possessing a high degree of skill or talent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great ability" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's skill or talent. According to Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "exceptional talent" or "remarkable skill" exist, "great ability" remains a versatile and widely understood expression. Remember to be specific about the context in which the ability is demonstrated to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional talent

Focuses more on innate talent rather than learned skill.

remarkable skill

Highlights the proficiency and dexterity in performing a task.

considerable aptitude

Emphasizes a natural inclination or potential for learning.

outstanding capability

Stresses the potential to perform at a very high level.

impressive competence

Focuses on demonstrated skill and effectiveness in a specific area.

notable proficiency

Highlights the advanced skill and expertise that has been attained.

tremendous prowess

Emphasizes exceptional skill and dexterity, often in a particular field.

extraordinary skill set

Highlights the range and depth of skills possessed.

formidable talent

Suggests talent that is powerful and perhaps intimidating.

unmatched expertise

Implies a level of skill that is unrivaled or unsurpassed.

FAQs

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

You can use "great ability" to describe someone's skill or talent in a particular area. For example, "He demonstrated "great ability" in problem-solving."

What are some alternatives to "great ability"?

Alternatives to "great ability" include "exceptional talent", "remarkable skill", or "considerable aptitude", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "great ability" or "huge ability"?

"Great ability" is generally preferred over "huge ability" as it sounds more natural and idiomatic. While "huge ability" is understandable, "great ability" is more common in standard English.

What's the difference between "great ability" and "superior ability"?

"Great ability" generally refers to a high level of skill or talent. "Superior ability" implies that the skill is not only high but also better than that of others. The choice depends on whether you're simply describing a high skill level or making a comparison.