native ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"native ability" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's natural aptitude or talent for doing something. For example: "He has a natural native ability for mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Consequently, psychologists have attempted to develop culture-free tests that would more accurately reflect an individual's native ability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The mix of experience and native ability often reaches a high point in the creative realm as well.

The New York Times

Today, players have access to the same databases and computers when they train, and native ability is more important than ever.

The New York Times

But writers can perfectly well have native ability, a feel for language, an inventiveness and a keen eye towards the world and still not quite understand how they can do something well, not once, but repeatedly.

The Guardian - Books

Unlike many poet-­teachers, Skinner believes in native ability, and the protection of talent is the first of the 6.5 practices he extols — though he also, like all good poet-­teachers, warns students off the path.

The New York Times - Books

Plainly, native ability and a highly advantageous gene pool also played a part, but she remains evangelical about the importance of engaging in active games with young children, indoors if necessary, with not much space but plenty of improvisation.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Mantegna's extraordinary native abilities were recognized early.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But for now at least, education based on brain science has helped hundreds of Buffalo children refine their native abilities in math.

The New York Times - Health

One key to handling errors effectively is to recognize they aren't necessarily a reflection of your native abilities and intelligence, Dr. Tavris said.

The New York Times

Moreover, educational arrangements bring it about that any two persons in the society with the same ambition and native abilities will have the same prospects of success in competition for warrior posts.

SEP

As we assess our native abilities, we seek to unlock the mysteries that lie within each of us and measure it through various means - IQ, personality traits, EI (Emotional Intelligence).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's inherent capabilities, use "native ability" to emphasize their natural aptitude. For instance, "Her "native ability" in music was evident from a young age."

Common error

Avoid attributing success solely to "native ability" when practice and dedication also play significant roles. Acknowledge the balance between inherent talent and acquired expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "native ability" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "native" modifies "ability", indicating an inherent or inborn characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, as seen in its example sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "native ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe inherent talent or aptitude. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. It is most commonly found in scientific and news media, denoting a natural capacity rather than an acquired skill. While alternatives like "natural talent" or "innate skill" exist, "native ability" distinctly emphasizes that the talent is ingrained from birth. When using this phrase, remember to consider the balance between inherent aptitude and the impact of learned expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

natural talent

Emphasizes inherent aptitude rather than learned skill.

innate skill

Highlights the inborn nature of the ability.

inherent aptitude

Focuses on the natural inclination towards something.

untaught skill

Stresses that the skill was not formally learned.

inborn capacity

Highlights the potential one is born with.

natural gift

Suggests the ability is a special endowment.

instinctive talent

Implies the ability is based on instinct.

raw talent

Suggests potential that is not fully developed.

intrinsic skill

Focuses on the skill being an essential part of someone's nature.

native competence

Uses a more formal term for ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "native ability" to describe someone's natural talent or aptitude for something. For example, "He demonstrated a "native ability" for problem-solving."

What can I say instead of "native ability"?

You can use alternatives like "natural talent", "innate skill", or "inherent aptitude" depending on the specific context.

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

Both "native ability" and "natural ability" are acceptable, but "native ability" might subtly emphasize that the skill is ingrained from birth, while "natural ability" can sometimes imply a predisposition that develops early in life.

How does "native ability" differ from learned skill?

"Native ability" refers to an inherent talent or aptitude, while a learned skill is developed through training and practice. Someone might have the "native ability" to learn languages easily, but they still need to put in the effort to study and practice.