particular ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "particular ability" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a specific skill or talent that someone possesses. Example 1: "Her particular ability to empathize with others made her a successful therapist." Example 2: "John's particular ability to solve complex problems quickly impressed his coworkers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Indeed, Zapatero has a particular ability to get under the skin of conservatives in Spain.

The Guardian

First, the court noted the particular ability of invasive photos to cause distress.

The Guardian

"Jeopardy" draws on a particular ability, Professor Gardner wrote in an e-mail message.

The New York Times

But governors have a particular ability to capitalize on a turn in the economic cycle.

The New York Times

Comte's particular ability was as a synthesizer of the most diverse intellectual currents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As president, he has shown no particular ability — or even desire — to expand his support or his coalition.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

How did your particular abilities contribute to the success of the organization?

The Washington Post

And he did this by feeling bumps on the skull, and relating them to the particular abilities of the individual.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Campbell looks at how self-consciousness exploits these particular abilities in thinking about space and the past.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Peripheral, non-essential duties that could be tailored to the particular abilities of the individual workers would not be determinative in this comparison.

Cornell University

Combat remains the high point of any Tales game – battles pair fighters, enabling powerful dual attacks or support actions, while selecting which two characters to link in order to gain particular abilities adds a touch of strategy.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "particular ability", be specific about how that ability contributes to their success or distinctiveness in a given field.

Common error

Avoid using "particular ability" as a generic placeholder. Instead, clearly define and illustrate the specific skill or talent you are referencing to provide more meaningful context for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particular ability" functions as a noun phrase modifier, specifying and emphasizing a certain attribute, skill, or competence. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage across varied contexts, highlighting specialized aptitudes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "particular ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that highlights a specific skill or talent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and widely accepted. While the phrase appears across a range of contexts, it is especially prevalent in news, science, and encyclopedic content, reflecting its role in objectively describing capabilities. To ensure clarity and impact, avoid vague language and clearly define the specific ability you're referencing. Consider alternatives like "unique ability" or "specific skill" to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage "particular ability" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique ability

Focuses on the uniqueness of the ability.

specific skill

Emphasizes the skill aspect rather than a general ability.

distinctive talent

Highlights the talent aspect and its distinguishing nature.

special gift

Implies an innate and exceptional quality.

notable aptitude

Stresses the natural inclination and proficiency.

remarkable capability

Highlights the extent and impressiveness of the ability.

exceptional competence

Focuses on a high level of proficiency and skill.

individual strength

Emphasizes personal capacity and advantage.

inherent capacity

Highlights the inborn aspect of a capability.

natural prowess

Implies ease and skill in performing something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "particular ability" in a sentence?

To effectively use "particular ability", follow it with a phrase specifying the skill or talent, and provide context to showcase its importance. For instance, "Her "particular ability" to mediate disputes made her an invaluable asset to the team".

What are some alternatives to saying "particular ability"?

You can use alternatives like "unique ability", "specific skill", or "distinctive talent", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a particular ability of" or "a particular ability to"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a particular ability to" is more common when followed by a verb. For example, "a particular ability to solve problems". "A particular ability of" is often followed by a noun phrase.

What's the difference between "particular ability" and "general skill"?

"Particular ability" refers to a specific and noteworthy skill, while "general skill" denotes a skill applicable across various situations. A "particular ability" might be coding in Python, whereas a general skill could be problem-solving.