heightened ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heightened ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increased or enhanced skill or capacity in a particular area. Example: "The training program is designed to develop a heightened ability in critical thinking among participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It's because they've developed this heightened ability to contain their pain.

The Guardian - Books

ESP is the human growth hormone of detective shows: a heightened ability that basically seems like cheating.

The New York Times - Arts

His unmistakable dialogue lends characters a heightened ability to interpret and relay aspects of the world around them.

The Guardian - Books

The key difference between bilinguals and monolinguals may be more basic: a heightened ability to monitor the environment.

The New York Times

Now, propelled by an invigorated women's health movement and a heightened ability to explore the molecular mechanisms of the autoimmune response, researchers at last are making headway in understanding how and why the body sometimes wages war on itself.

The New York Times - Health

The difference is due, he believes, to our heightened ability to incorporate props and tools into our thinking, to use them to think thoughts we could never have otherwise.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

For instance, these heightened abilities allow animals to detect upcoming weather patterns weeks before they happen or sense dangers early to better prepare their defenses and much more.

Vice

According to the company, one third of people with autism may have heightened abilities in pattern recognition, focus, and attention to detail.

Huffington Post

Education had heightened his ability to reach into his personal depths and offer his audiences a unique presence.

The Guardian

It isn't: Ms. Simonson was born in East Sussex but has spent two decades in the United States, a stint that has only heightened her ability to make jokes about American excesses as they are registered by Major Pettigrew.

The New York Times - Books

"The fact that he took a break from the downtown dance world and was able to work on these grand scales, it heightened his ability to work in a really large-scale, visionary manner".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heightened ability", specify the area or skill to which it applies for clarity. For example, instead of saying "He has a heightened ability", say "He has a heightened ability to analyze data".

Common error

Avoid using "heightened ability" as a general descriptor without providing specific examples or evidence of the enhanced skill. This can weaken your argument or statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heightened ability" functions as a noun phrase, where 'heightened' modifies 'ability', indicating an increased or enhanced capability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heightened ability" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe an enhanced or improved capability. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for diverse contexts, with frequent usage in scientific and news publications. To maximize clarity, specify the area to which the heightened ability applies. Alternatives include "enhanced capacity" or "increased proficiency". By avoiding overuse without proper context, you can effectively use "heightened ability" to convey improvements in skill or capacity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhanced capacity

Replaces 'ability' with 'capacity' and 'heightened' with 'enhanced', focusing on the extent of improvement.

increased proficiency

Changes 'ability' to 'proficiency' and 'heightened' to 'increased', emphasizing skill level.

improved skill

Substitutes 'ability' with 'skill', highlighting a specific developed talent.

enhanced aptitude

Replaces 'ability' with 'aptitude', stressing natural inclination or talent.

greater competence

Uses 'competence' instead of 'ability', indicating the state of being adequately qualified.

refined talent

Focuses on the sophistication of the skill.

sharpened skill

Emphasizes the precision and focus of an ability.

advanced capability

Highlights the progress and sophistication of the capability.

amplified potential

Shifts focus to the expanded scope of what can be achieved.

superior expertise

Indicates a level of skill exceeding the average.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "heightened ability" in a sentence?

To effectively use "heightened ability", specify the skill or area being enhanced. For example, "The athlete developed a "heightened ability" to concentrate under pressure."

What are some alternatives to using "heightened ability"?

You can use alternatives like "enhanced capacity", "increased proficiency", or "improved skill" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "heightened ability" and "enhanced ability"?

While "heightened ability" and "enhanced ability" are similar, "heightened" suggests an increase beyond the norm, while "enhanced" simply means improved. Choose the word that best fits the degree of improvement you want to convey.

How does "heightened ability" differ from "natural talent"?

"Heightened ability" implies a developed or improved skill, whereas "natural talent" suggests an innate or inherent aptitude. One is cultivated, the other is inherent.