masterful ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "masterful ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's exceptional skill or talent in a particular area or field. Example: "Her masterful ability to communicate complex ideas clearly made her an invaluable asset to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The film not only showcases West's directorial prowess but his masterful ability at choosing musical cues.

The Guardian - Music

Shirley Jackson had a masterful ability to take quotidian experiences and make them deeply unsettling.

The New Yorker

The host's and my on-camera "feuding" was lighthearted, and Clark's perfect combination of a quick mind, genial on-camera nature and masterful ability to hit just the right note in banter made him perfect for his job.

The New York Times

Slight in frame but with a strong-arm presence, a staggering spring and a masterful ability to read a game, Cannavaro inspired Italy, who conceded only once to an opposing player all month.

The Guardian - Sport

How much of Carmen's popularity is down to Bizet's masterful ability to conjure up picture-postcard images of Spain over and above the dramatic thrust of its story is open to debate.

The Guardian - Music

Self-rationalization curiously parallels the methodical subjection of self to God's will that the old Protestant Ethic counseled; the difference, of course, is that one acquires not moral virtues but a masterful ability to manipulate personae.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Mr. Anderson (not his real name) was masterful in his ability to develop common goals and a shared vision of our group's mission.

Harvard University

She is masterful in her ability to create relatable protagonists, and her young readers can easily relate to the heroes in her stories.

Johns Hopkins University

They are problem solvers who get down into the weeds with candidates during their pre-screens, and are masterful in their ability to pitch the opportunity as a solution to the candidate's pain points.

TechCrunch

Many teachers are masterful in their ability to make the standard curriculum feel collaborative, and I salute you.

HuffPost

On Monday Guardian readers have been highlighting their favourite political interviews and Frost moments as a tribute to his masterful interviewing style and ability to put his subjects at ease.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "masterful ability" when you want to emphasize not just competence, but also artistry and control in a specific skill or domain. It suggests a blend of expertise and finesse.

Common error

Avoid using "masterful ability" in informal settings or when describing simple tasks. The phrase's inherent formality can sound stilted in casual conversation. Consider using simpler terms like "skill" or "talent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "masterful ability" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular skill or capacity. It emphasizes not just competence, but also a superior level of proficiency. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "masterful ability" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English used to denote exceptional skill or talent. Ludwig confirms its validity. While it's most common in news and media and academic contexts, it is a versatile phrase. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for situations where you wish to emphasize a high degree of artistry and control. If the tone is too elevated, consider "exceptional talent" or "remarkable skill" for similar meanings but at a more modest register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional talent

Focuses on innate talent rather than a developed skill, implying a natural gift.

remarkable skill

Emphasizes the high degree of proficiency and expertise in a particular area.

consummate skill

Highlights a very high degree of skill and refinement.

commanding skill

Emphasizes a high degree of control and influence through skill.

adeptness

Highlights the quickness and skill in performing a task.

proficiency

Stresses competence and skill acquired through training or experience.

expertise

Implies a deep understanding and mastery of a specific field.

virtuosity

Suggests exceptional artistic talent and technical skill.

mastery

Indicates complete command and understanding of a subject or skill.

accomplishment

Emphasizes a completed achievement attained through skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "masterful ability" to describe someone's exceptional skill. For instance, "Her masterful ability to communicate complex ideas made her an invaluable asset to the team."

What are some alternatives to "masterful ability"?

You can use alternatives like "exceptional talent", "remarkable skill", or "consummate skill" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "masterful ability"?

"Masterful ability" is appropriate when you want to highlight not just skill, but also a high degree of artistry and control. It's best suited for formal or professional contexts.

Is "masterful ability" redundant, since "ability" already implies skill?

While "ability" implies skill, "masterful ability" adds a layer of exceptional competence and artistry. It emphasizes a superior level of skill, making it suitable when you want to highlight outstanding proficiency. The effect can be similar to superlative adjectives.