innate ability

USAGE SUMMARY

'innate ability' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's natural talents or skills that exist from birth. For example, "He had an amazing innate ability to play the piano".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He has an innate ability for that".

The New York Times

It's just an innate ability I have.

The New York Times - Sports

I believe in the innate ability of Americans to survive.

The New York Times

His subsequent observations showed an innate ability to evaluate.

The New York Times - Sports

Filled with anger and innate ability, he excelled.

The New York Times - Sports

He's really got some great innate ability through the hole.

The New York Times - Sports

They are possessed of an innate ability to inspire.

The Guardian

Logano, Sibley said, has an innate ability to drive.

The New York Times

But his innate ability justifies that high standard.

The New York Times

Bone has innate ability to regenerate following injury.

Biomaterials

Then there is the issue of innate ability.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "innate ability", be specific about the area in which they excel to provide a clearer understanding of their strengths.

Common error

Avoid attributing all success solely to "innate ability". Acknowledge the importance of hard work, practice, and learning in developing and refining natural talents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "innate ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "innate" modifies "ability". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to describe natural talents or skills. Examples in Ludwig show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

12%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "innate ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote inborn talents or skills. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English writing. It commonly appears in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia". While often interchangeable with terms like "natural talent" or "inherent skill", it’s essential to acknowledge that nurture and practice complement nature in achieving expertise. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

natural talent

Emphasizes the inherent aspect of the skill.

inherent skill

Highlights the skill as an integral part of someone's nature.

inborn aptitude

Focuses on the potential for development from birth.

natural gift

Suggests the ability is a special endowment.

intrinsic capacity

Underscores the inherent potential within someone.

native intelligence

Highlights the natural cognitive capabilities.

untaught skill

Emphasizes the lack of formal training required.

inbred talent

Implies the talent is genetically inherited.

natural proficiency

Stresses the ease and skill in performance.

unlearned ability

Focuses on the spontaneous nature of the skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "innate ability" to describe a natural talent or skill someone possesses, such as "She has an innate ability to connect with people" or "His innate ability for music was evident from a young age".

What are some synonyms for "innate ability"?

Alternatives for "innate ability" include "natural talent", "inherent skill", or "natural gift", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "innate ability" or "natural ability"?

"Innate ability" and "natural ability" are often interchangeable. "Innate" emphasizes the quality of being inborn, while "natural" suggests ease and suitability.

Does "innate ability" guarantee success?

Having an "innate ability" provides a strong foundation, but success also requires dedication, practice, and continuous learning. It's a starting point, not a guarantee.