lot of ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lot of ability" is not correct in standard written English.
A more appropriate form would be "a lot of ability." Example: "She has a lot of ability when it comes to problem-solving."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There is no doubt he has a lot of ability".

The Guardian

"He's got a lot of ability," Daneyko said.

The New York Times - Sports

He's very enthusiastic and has a lot of ability.

The Guardian - Sport

He has a lot of ability, and he's not cocky.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We always knew he had a lot of ability.

The Guardian - Sport

"We've always thought he had a lot of ability," Henderson said.

The Guardian - Sport

They were tough, honest competitors and had a lot of ability.

The Guardian - Sport

"This was a youngster that had a lot of ability, but he was 180 pounds.

The New York Times - Sports

Gulati said that Castillo had "shown a lot of ability playing with some top Mexican clubs".

The New York Times - Sports

A lot of ability is on display in "Afraid of Everything".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I knew he had a lot of ability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a large amount of ability, use the phrase "a lot of ability" instead of "lot of ability" for grammatical correctness.

Common error

Ensure you include the article "a" before "lot" to avoid grammatical errors. The correct phrase is "a lot of ability", not "lot of ability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a noun phrase, quantifying and describing the extent of someone's skills or capabilities. Although Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect, the examples show its prevalent use in describing individuals' talents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While "lot of ability" is a frequently used phrase, it's important to note that it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a lot of ability". Despite this, the phrase appears commonly in various contexts, including news and media. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as incorrect, but the numerous examples illustrate its prevalence in everyday language. To ensure grammatical accuracy, always remember to include the article "a" before "lot".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant talent

Replaces "lot of ability" with more formal synonyms, focusing on the inherent skill.

considerable skill

Emphasizes the degree of skill possessed, rather than a general quantity.

great aptitude

Highlights a natural inclination or talent, suggesting inherent potential.

remarkable proficiency

Focuses on demonstrated competence and expertise in a particular area.

exceptional capability

Stresses the high level of ability, implying abilities above the norm.

notable expertise

Highlights proven skill and knowledge in a specific field.

extensive competence

Emphasizes the broad range of capabilities and skills.

marked talent

Stresses the visible and obvious quality of the talent.

substantial capacity

Focuses on the potential and inherent ability to perform.

immense potential

Emphasizes future possibilities based on current abilities.

FAQs

How to use "lot of ability" correctly?

While "lot of ability" is commonly used, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a lot of ability." For example, "She has "a lot of ability" in mathematics" is correct.

What can I say instead of "lot of ability"?

You can use alternatives like "significant talent", "considerable skill", or "great aptitude" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lot of ability" or "a lot of ability"?

"A lot of ability" is the grammatically correct phrase. "Lot of ability" is missing the article "a".

What's the difference between "lot of ability" and "a lot of ability"?

The phrase "lot of ability" is grammatically incorrect because it omits the article "a". "A lot of ability" is the correct and commonly accepted form.