hidden abilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hidden abilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to skills or talents that are not immediately apparent or recognized in a person. Example: "Through her years of training, she discovered many hidden abilities that she never knew she possessed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

For, as President Lincoln discovered, it sometimes takes the challenge of being in charge to reveal hidden abilities.

The New York Times

He said that he himself been inspired by the potential of aptitude testing to reveal hidden abilities.

Independent

Including her hidden abilities.

The New York Times

Lars had always enjoyed Legos, and talking to other parents, Sonne heard stories about how the toy bricks brought out remarkable, hidden abilities.

The New York Times - Magazine

Likewise, people with autism who are described as "low functioning," including those without language, can have the kinds of intelligence and hidden abilities that are associated with Asperger's — in art, music and engineering, for example — and can communicate if given assistance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The hidden ability displayed by the young accident victim is rare, the study suggested.

The New York Times - Health

All great quarterback-receiver combos have a hidden ability to communicate.

The New York Times - Sports

• Matthew Taylor, self-styled shadow chancellor, displayed a hitherto well hidden ability to laugh at himself.

The Guardian

It's all about social mimicry, apparently, our hidden ability to sync our behavior with the group's.

The New York Times - Books

It is surely no coincidence that Microsoft's hidden ability to innovate has become apparent only in a market in which it is the underdog and faces fierce competition.

The Economist

Compared with MB-OFDM, DS-UWB scheme has many advantages, which stem from its UWB nature, such as low peak-to-average power ratio, wide bandwidth, good information hidden ability, and less sensitivity to multipath fading [6, 7].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential, use "hidden abilities" to emphasize that individuals may possess undiscovered talents that can be revealed through opportunity or training.

Common error

Avoid using "hidden abilities" when the skills are merely underdeveloped or require practice. Reserve the phrase for truly latent or unexpected talents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden abilities" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "hidden" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "abilities". It often serves to describe a quality or characteristic of a person or thing, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hidden abilities" refers to talents or skills that are not immediately apparent but exist within an individual or entity. Analysis reveals that it functions as a noun phrase, communicating untapped potential and often generating a sense of surprise upon discovery. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and sees common usage across diverse contexts, notably within news media. To enrich your writing, consider variations such as "latent talents" or "untapped potential", carefully choosing the alternative that best aligns with the nuances of your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

latent talents

Focuses on the untapped potential within an individual.

untapped potential

Highlights the undeveloped or undiscovered capabilities.

dormant skills

Emphasizes that the skills are currently inactive but capable of being awakened.

unrecognized capabilities

Stresses the lack of awareness of the abilities.

concealed talents

Suggests that the talents are deliberately kept secret or are not easily visible.

inner strengths

Highlights the inherent power and resilience within a person.

underlying skills

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the skills.

unexpressed aptitudes

Focuses on natural tendencies that haven't been fully developed.

unsuspected talents

Highlights the surprise element when these talents are revealed.

secret prowess

Emphasizes expertise or skill that is not widely known.

FAQs

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

You can use "hidden abilities" to describe skills or talents that are not immediately obvious but can be revealed under certain circumstances. For example: "The leadership challenge revealed his "hidden abilities"."

What are some synonyms for "hidden abilities"?

Alternatives to "hidden abilities" include "latent talents", "untapped potential", or "dormant skills". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "hidden ability" or "hidden abilities"?

The choice between "hidden ability" and "hidden abilities" depends on whether you are referring to a singular, specific skill or multiple talents. Use "hidden ability" for one skill and "hidden abilities" for more than one.

What's the difference between "hidden abilities" and "potential"?

"Potential" is a broader term that refers to the possibility of future development or achievement. "Hidden abilities" specifically implies that there are existing, but undiscovered, skills or talents.