high ability

USAGE SUMMARY

'high ability' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who has a very strong skill or aptitude. For example, "The student has a high ability for mathematics, so she was able to excel in calculus."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Compared to others of a similarly high ability, he's moving backwards – making frequent, basic errors.

The Guardian

"There are a lot of students of high ability who speak before thinking," Burago said.

The New Yorker

We went to new, well-equipped schools, where David's high ability was picked up early".

The Guardian

Many nanomaterials possess special properties, such as great strength or high ability to conduct electricity.

The Guardian

The high ability kids start off about the same, but over time the rot sets in.

The Guardian

So children defined as "high ability" based on one exam are not necessarily the most talented in the population.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Close the attainment gap which sees low-ability wealthy children overtake high-ability poorer peers.

The Guardian

Public education's neglect of high-ability students doesn't just deny individuals opportunities they deserve.

The New York Times

Here and there, however, entire public schools focus exclusively on high-ability, highly motivated students.

The New York Times

Until we use a more nuanced metric to reward schools, high-ability students will continue to be forgotten.

The Guardian - Opinion

Suppose the work force consists of low-ability individuals (burger flippers) and high-ability individuals (entrepreneurs), who perform complementary tasks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "high ability" with specific domains (e.g., "high ability in mathematics") to provide concrete examples and demonstrate expertise effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "high ability" in very informal or casual settings; consider more natural alternatives like "really good at" or "talented" for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high ability" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a superior level of competence or skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used. It's commonly used to describe people, objects, or systems that demonstrate exceptional capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high ability" is a versatile phrase used to denote exceptional competence or skill across various contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its prevalence in science, news, and formal business contexts underscores its utility in conveying expertise and potential. While highly versatile, it's best to consider synonyms like "exceptional talent" or "superior skill" to provide a range of options for your writing. Be mindful of formality; adapt your language based on the setting to ensure it aligns with audience expectations. With these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "high ability" into your communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional talent

Emphasizes innate talent and natural aptitude.

superior skill

Highlights refined expertise developed through practice.

remarkable aptitude

Focuses on the natural inclination and potential for learning.

outstanding competence

Stresses proven proficiency and capability in a specific area.

considerable expertise

Implies a deep and comprehensive knowledge base.

notable proficiency

Highlights a significant level of skill and accomplishment.

advanced capability

Suggests a sophisticated and well-developed skillset.

demonstrated mastery

Focuses on proven expertise and control in a particular field.

promising potential

Emphasizes future capability and the capacity for growth.

significant competence

Expresses substantial proficiency and effectiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "high ability" to describe someone or something that demonstrates a strong aptitude or skill. For example, "The student demonstrated "high ability" in mathematics."

What are some alternatives to "high ability"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "exceptional talent", "superior skill", or "remarkable aptitude".

Is it correct to say "a high ability" or simply "high ability"?

Generally, you would use "high ability" without the article "a" when referring to a general characteristic. For example, "She has "high ability" in problem-solving."

What's the difference between "high ability" and "high potential"?

"High ability" refers to existing skills and demonstrated competence, while "high potential" refers to the capacity for future growth and development.