intrinsic ability

USAGE SUMMARY

'intrinsic ability' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's innate or inborn talents. For example: "John has an intrinsic ability for mathematics that is quite remarkable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's translate this intrinsic ability to the workforce.

The New York Times

Although many molecules have an intrinsic ability to glow, they will do so only under the right circumstances.

The New York Times - Tech

Advocates of deregulation point to the failures as evidence that the government has no intrinsic ability to police markets.

The New York Times

Resilience is considered an intrinsic ability and an inherent attribute of an engineering system.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

The mere possession of this intrinsic ability is not sufficient, however, to enable the heart to function efficiently.

Encyclopedia Britannica

TCA helps cancer to develop its adaptability in consequence of the intrinsic ability to adjust metabolic fluxes according to resource availability.

Nature

We ever neglect plant CW architecture and proposed that one-domain harpins have the intrinsic ability to breach plant CWs55 and may create hole on them2.

Nature

The intrinsic ability to exhibit self-organizing morphogenetic properties in ex vivo culture may represent a general property of tissue stem cells.

Nature

In this study, we have investigated the intrinsic ability of test sequences in the context of stalled nascent polypeptide chains to attain a compact structure within the ribosome.

Nature

The model displays the intrinsic ability of capturing the steep rise in the strain-hardening rate observed in DP-steels.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Articular cartilage repair remains a challenging clinical issue because of the poor intrinsic ability of this tissue for repair.

Comprehensive Biomaterials II

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intrinsic ability" when you want to emphasize that a skill or capacity is a fundamental part of someone or something's nature.

Common error

Avoid using "intrinsic ability" when you mean skills acquired from external factors or training. "Intrinsic" refers to qualities that are inherent and internal, not learned or developed from outside influences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intrinsic ability" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "intrinsic" modifies the noun "ability". It specifies that the ability is inherent or naturally part of something or someone. As Ludwig AI also states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intrinsic ability" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes an inherent or inborn skill or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's commonly found in scientific and news contexts and serves to emphasize the innate nature of a particular ability. When using the phrase, ensure you're referring to qualities that are naturally present rather than externally acquired skills. Alternatives like "inherent capability" or "innate talent" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherent capability

Emphasizes the natural or inborn capacity to do something.

innate talent

Highlights a natural aptitude or skill that someone is born with.

natural aptitude

Focuses on the inherent inclination or suitability for a particular activity.

inborn skill

Stresses that the skill is present from birth rather than learned.

native capacity

Highlights the natural or original ability to perform a task.

inherent potential

Focuses on the undeveloped capacity that exists as a natural part of something.

built-in capacity

Indicates that the ability is an integral part of the design or nature of something.

natural gift

Suggests a special, unearned talent that is divinely bestowed or simply a matter of luck.

untaught skill

Implies that the skill was acquired without formal instruction.

inbred talent

Suggests a talent that has been passed down through generations.

FAQs

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

You can use "intrinsic ability" to describe a natural talent or capacity, such as "Her "intrinsic ability" to learn languages made her a valuable asset to the company".

What is a good alternative to "intrinsic ability"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "inherent capability", "innate talent", or "natural aptitude" as alternatives to "intrinsic ability".

Is it correct to say someone has an "intrinsic ability"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Intrinsic ability" refers to a natural or inborn talent or skill that a person possesses.

What's the difference between "intrinsic ability" and "learned skill"?

"Intrinsic ability" refers to a natural, inherent talent, while "learned skill" describes an ability acquired through training or experience. The former is innate, the latter is developed.