sheer ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's extraordinary talents or skills. For example, "Her sheer ability to solve problems quickly amazed everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

He triumphed on every count, thanks to sheer ability.

The Guardian - Film

Mr Modi is a former teaseller propelled to the top by sheer ability.

The Economist

For his sheer ability to get teenagers to love reading, Stephen King is a saint.

The Guardian

Injuries have been a problem, players have been new to their positions, and sheer ability has been scarce in some spots.

The New York Times

Heras-Casado's sheer ability to keep the orchestra together with Serkin's wildly inventive interpretation is impressive enough, but his artistry was also a delight.

The New Yorker

Only Kon Ichikawa's epic documentary "Tokyo Olympiad" (1965) surpasses it for the sheer ability to put audiences in the bodies of athletes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It is his sheer improvisational ability with the guitar that will startle most listeners.

The Economist

For the kung fun fan sheer physical ability remains the greatest special effect.

The New York Times

Moviegoers were no longer drawn to the sheer recording ability of motion pictures; they demanded imaginative entertainment instead.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In terms of sheer scoring ability, he was a smaller version of Anthony, with less range on his lightning-release jumper, but with a more sustained ferocity bordering on rage.

The New York Times - Sports

That said, I must also point out that "The Peppered Moth" is one of the more absorbing novels I have read in a long time, both for its sheer storytelling ability and for its powers of imaginative conjecture.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer ability" to emphasize that someone's talent is the primary reason for their success, especially when other factors are less significant.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer ability" when other factors like hard work, opportunity, or luck also play a significant role. It is more accurate to acknowledge the contribution of multiple elements to a person's success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer ability" functions as a noun phrase where "sheer" is an adjective emphasizing the extent or degree of the ability. It typically serves to highlight someone's remarkable talent or skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer ability" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to highlight someone's significant talent or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, to emphasize the primary role of talent in achieving success. While alternatives like "impressive ability" or "tremendous ability" exist, "sheer ability" provides a direct and effective way to stress the importance of innate or developed skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tremendous ability

Emphasizes the remarkable and awe-inspiring nature of one's skills.

impressive ability

Draws attention to the admirable and remarkable nature of the skill.

great ability

Simply conveys a high level of competence, remaining general.

immense ability

Focuses on the vast scale or extent of someone's capabilities.

enormous ability

Similar to immense ability, accentuating the large scale of capabilities.

massive ability

Indicates a large, impactful degree of skill, often implying dominance.

huge ability

Describes a large or substantial level of skill or talent.

substantial ability

Highlights the significant or considerable degree of competence.

absolute ability

Stresses the completeness and perfection of a skill.

straightforward ability

Emphasizes clarity and directness in skill application, implying efficiency.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheer ability" to highlight that someone's talent is the main reason for their success. For instance, "He won the competition due to his "sheer ability" and dedication".

What are some alternatives to "sheer ability"?

Alternatives include "impressive ability", "tremendous ability", or "immense ability". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "sheer natural ability"?

While "sheer" often implies natural or inherent qualities, using "sheer natural ability" isn't necessarily redundant if you want to emphasize both the unadulterated nature and the high degree of the talent. However, in many cases, "sheer ability" alone is sufficient.

What is the difference between "sheer ability" and "innate talent"?

"Innate talent" refers specifically to abilities that a person is born with, while "sheer ability" is a broader term that can encompass both natural gifts and skills developed through practice and learning. It's about the current skill, not necessarily its origin.