shows an ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shows an ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's skills or competencies in a particular area or task. Example: "Her performance in the project shows an ability to lead and inspire her team effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

By writing down numbers, essentially, though at one point he shows an ability to make multiple cellphones ring simultaneously.

The New York Times - Arts

Samsung in particular shows an ability to carpet any market with its handsets - apart from China, where "white box" handset makers are prospering.

The Guardian - Tech

I suppose it's no different from an athletic performance, which just shows an ability better than our own but of no long-lasting importance.

The New York Times - Magazine

The rookie quarterback is honing his patience and footwork in the pocket, and most impressively, he shows an ability to make precise throws through tight windows.

The New York Times

Until Rob Bolden shows an ability to make plays with his feet, Penn State is just throwing darts at the wall.

The New York Times

He especially seeks scientists whose research shows an ability to work on hard even "disruptive"—problems rather than building incrementally on a professor's work.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They showed an ability to empathise".

Independent

No one has shown an ability to get hot.

The New York Times

The group has shown an ability to revive itself.

The Economist

But Mr. Gates has shown an ability to manage the Pentagon even with a small inner circle.

The New York Times

He has also shown an ability to raise significant amounts of money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shows an ability", ensure the context clearly defines what ability is being demonstrated. Provide specific examples or evidence to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "shows an ability" without providing specific examples or context. Claims of ability should be supported by concrete evidence or observations, otherwise they can come across as vague or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shows an ability" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the demonstration of a particular skill or competence. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts, from athletic performance to scientific research, all indicating a capacity to perform a task effectively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shows an ability" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the demonstration of a specific skill or competence. It's versatile and suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a reliable choice for expressing someone's capacity to perform a task effectively. When using this phrase, ensure that specific examples or evidence are provided to support the claim of ability. Alternatives such as "demonstrates a skill" or "exhibits a capability" can be used for variety or to achieve a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrates a skill

Replaces "ability" with "skill", emphasizing the practical application of competence.

exhibits a capability

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "shows" with "exhibits" and "ability" with "capability".

displays competence

Focuses on overall competence rather than a specific ability.

indicates proficiency

Highlights the level of skill achieved.

reveals a talent for

Emphasizes a natural aptitude for something.

possesses the aptitude

Highlights innate potential or a natural inclination.

is capable of

Indicates a general capacity to perform a task.

is skilled in

Highlights competence in a particular field or activity.

excels at

Emphasizes outstanding performance.

manifests a knack for

Emphasizes a natural and effortless skill.

FAQs

How can I use "shows an ability" in a sentence?

You can use "shows an ability" to describe someone's competence or skill in a specific area. For example, "Her performance on the project "shows an ability" to lead and inspire her team effectively."

What are some alternatives to "shows an ability"?

You can use alternatives such as "demonstrates a skill", "exhibits a capability", or "displays competence" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "shows an ability" or "demonstrates an ability"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Demonstrates an ability" might sound slightly more formal, while ""shows an ability"" is more common in everyday language.

Can "shows an ability" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""shows an ability"" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when supported by evidence. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider using a synonym like "exhibits a capability" or "indicates proficiency".