marvellous ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marvellous ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's exceptional skill or talent in a particular area. Example: "Her marvellous ability to solve complex problems quickly impressed everyone in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He has already shown a marvellous ability to discern consensus where others see only discord.

The Economist

This was matched by a marvellous ability to inspire and enthuse.

The Guardian

"Don possessed a marvellous ability to get the very best out of players with his coaching techniques and provide them with the perfect preparation for matches.

Independent

Instead of giving us single characters striving for individual self-expression, he has found a marvellous ability to suggest something beyond them, something inexpressible.

The Guardian

Salonen has a marvellous ability, with an established score, to take it apart, polish up the parts and put it all back together so that you hear it anew.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But imagine that this animal is bound by perception, in the sense that at a time t the animal is only able to represent elements of the world it perceives at t. Like a jet engine attached to a tricycle, this hypothetical animal's marvellous recombinatory abilities would rarely be put to use given its low degree of stimulus-independence.

Australasian Journal of Philosophy

"It's as though writing about the real world inhibited Ms Rowling's miraculously inventive imagination, and in depriving her of the tension between the mundane and the marvellous constrained her ability to create a two-, never mind three-dimensional tale," she wrote.

The Guardian - Books

"It took a marvellous piece of ability from David Perkins, because I couldn't see us breaking down the block.

BBC

His technique of the everyday marvellous usually describes the human ability to revel in its desire.

The Guardian - Books

The judges described it as " a triumph with a magisterial quality and marvellous scope" praising Ross's ability to "tell a good story, with good pace but always keep his own judgement".

The Guardian

Especially intriguing to his audiences was his purported ability to perform some of these marvellous experiments.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marvellous ability" to describe someone's notable skill, talent, or aptitude in a specific area. It adds a touch of sophistication and positive emphasis to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "marvellous ability" in overly casual or informal settings. While grammatically correct, the phrase has a slightly formal tone that might sound out of place in everyday conversation or relaxed writing. Consider more informal alternatives like "great skill" or "amazing talent" for casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marvellous ability" functions as a descriptive element, typically used to attribute a high degree of skill or talent to a subject. It acts as a compliment, enhancing the description of an individual's capabilities. Ludwig confirms the usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marvellous ability" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe exceptional talent or skill. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is more common in News & Media sources, with a neutral to formal tone. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives, it adds a touch of sophistication. Consider context when choosing between "marvellous ability" and phrases like "spectacular ability" or "remarkable talent" to ensure the register aligns with your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marvelous ability

American spelling variation of "marvellous", interchangeable in meaning.

spectacular ability

Replaces "marvellous" with "spectacular", emphasizing the impressive nature of the ability.

sensational ability

Substitutes "marvellous" with "sensational", highlighting the extraordinary and exciting quality of the ability.

magnificent ability

Uses "magnificent" instead of "marvellous", suggesting a grand and impressive ability.

marvellous talent

Replaces "ability" with "talent", focusing on innate aptitude.

terrific ability

Swaps "marvellous" for "terrific", indicating a great or excellent ability.

superb ability

Uses "superb" in place of "marvellous", emphasizing the high quality of the ability.

fabulous ability

Substitutes "marvellous" with "fabulous", indicating an extremely pleasing or impressive ability.

splendid ability

Replaces "marvellous" with "splendid", conveying a sense of brilliance and excellence.

extraordinary ability

Uses "extraordinary" instead of "marvellous", highlighting the exceptional and unusual nature of the ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "marvellous ability" to describe someone's exceptional skill or talent. For example, "She demonstrated a "marvellous ability" to connect with people from all walks of life."

What are some alternatives to "marvellous ability"?

Alternatives include "spectacular ability", "exceptional talent", or "remarkable skill". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "marvelous ability" the same as "marvellous ability"?

"Marvelous ability" is the American English spelling, while "marvellous ability" is the British English spelling. They have the same meaning and are interchangeable depending on the dialect you are using.

What kind of impression does "marvellous ability" give?

Using "marvellous ability" suggests a high degree of admiration and respect for the skill or talent being described. It implies that the ability is not only good but also particularly impressive or delightful.