show aptitude for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show aptitude for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating someone's natural ability or talent in a particular area or skill. Example: "The student consistently demonstrates a strong aptitude for mathematics, excelling in every exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Amazingly, many people focus on the harder route through life and avoid focusing on doing what they're best at and show aptitude for.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lang Lang, as soloist in the Bartok Second Piano Concerto, showed aptitude for sorting out the first movement's vicious complications.

The New York Times - Arts

Less than five years after joining the Congress Party, having shown aptitude for little else, Mr. Guha noted, Rajiv Gandhi was prime minister.

The New York Times

"Once they showed aptitude for math or physical science, there was an assumption that they'd pursue it as a career even if they had other interests or aspirations.

The New York Times - Science

"Eddie Lampert was a celebrated financial wizard who has not shown aptitude for running a retail business over the past six years.

Forbes

Margot demonstrated ability in arithmetic, and Anne showed aptitude for reading and writing.

Wikipedia

In post-Civil War America, oratory was highly prized, and Bryan showed aptitude for it from a young age, raised in his father's house in Salem.

Wikipedia

A team of peer group trainers from the UK visited the program to provide a training course for 10 patients identified as showing aptitude for peer support.

Conflict and Health

If I show any aptitude for diving, it is because it involves sinking.

The Guardian - Travel

Experience suggests that men show little aptitude for the task and are unlikely to give it the priority it deserves.

The Guardian

When puppies grow up with mothers trained in narcotics-detection, 85% of them show an aptitude for the family business.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's potential, use "show aptitude for" to highlight their natural strengths and inclinations. This helps focus on their potential for growth and success in that area.

Common error

Avoid using "show aptitude for" to describe acquired skills developed purely through training. Aptitude implies an inherent, natural ability that makes learning and excelling easier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show aptitude for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the demonstration or evidence of a natural ability or talent in a specific area. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

12%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show aptitude for" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe the demonstration of a natural talent or ability in a particular area. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and professional settings. While alternatives such as "demonstrate an ability for" or "display a knack for" exist, "show aptitude for" remains a clear and effective way to highlight someone's potential and inherent strengths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate an ability for

Replaces "show aptitude" with "demonstrate an ability", focusing on the act of demonstrating rather than possessing aptitude.

display a knack for

Substitutes "aptitude" with "knack", implying a natural talent or skill developed through experience.

exhibit a talent for

Uses "exhibit a talent" instead of "show aptitude", emphasizing the display of inherent talent.

possess a flair for

Replaces "aptitude" with "flair", suggesting a distinctive and stylish quality in performing something.

have a gift for

Indicates an inherent, God-given talent or ability, implying a natural predisposition.

excel at

Focuses on achieving a high level of performance, implying competence and skill in a particular area.

be proficient in

Highlights competence and skill, suggesting a well-developed ability through practice or learning.

have competence in

Highlights a basic level of skill, ability and know-how in performing a specific task or activity.

have a natural inclination toward

Emphasizes a natural preference or tendency, suggesting an innate interest and aptitude.

take to something like a duck to water

An idiomatic expression indicating immediate and effortless competence, suggesting an innate ease.

FAQs

How can I use "show aptitude for" in a sentence?

You can use "show aptitude for" to describe someone's natural talent or potential in a specific area. For example, "She "showed aptitude for" mathematics from a young age."

What are some alternatives to "show aptitude for"?

Alternatives include "demonstrate an ability for", "display a knack for", or "exhibit a talent for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "show aptitude in" or "show aptitude for"?

"Show aptitude for" is the more common and natural-sounding phrasing. While "show aptitude in" isn't grammatically incorrect, "show aptitude for" is generally preferred.

What does it mean when someone "shows no aptitude for" something?

It means they haven't demonstrated any natural talent or inclination towards that particular skill or area. It doesn't necessarily mean they can't learn it, but it might require more effort than someone who naturally "shows aptitude for" it.