smart ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smart ability" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used to describe a specific type of intelligence or skill, but it would be better to clarify what kind of ability is being referred to. Example: "Her smart ability to solve complex problems quickly impressed everyone in the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Among them is John Geddes, whose smarts, ability to seamlessly get us through all manner of crises from hurricanes to blackouts and of course his ability to make us laugh at ourselves, will be sorely missed.

The New York Times

She still maintained that book-smart ability to repeat facts (like the merger cases) and shows a command of medical situations".

Wikipedia

A series of chested passes were evidence of smart technical ability and football brain.

The Guardian - Sport

Pangaea is an exciting initiative that strengthens premium publishers' proposition by guaranteeing a trusted advertising environment, building significant scale and sharing smart targeting abilities".

The Guardian

"I loved everything about her: her smarts, her ability to laugh and have fun and to get serious when things got tough, everything".

The New York Times

Fathers and their sons and daughters, ages 8 to 12, will undergo challenges testing the patriarchs' strengths, smarts and ability to be team players.

The New York Times

Our study reports a novel large-scale-fabrication method of TENGs compatible with mechanized production, which shows outstanding output performance as well as the excellent smart sensing abilities.

Nano Energy

Laura Weidman Powers: Silicon Valley is a place where smarts and ability are prized but where investors and hiring managers tend to mitigate risk by relying on their networks for intel on potential hires or investments.

TechCrunch

Understand that being smart implies abilities to apply intelligence (use of reason) and practical experience that are deemed to be clever, witty, shrewd, or bright.

WikiHow

While doctors are certainly smart, their medical ability does not necessarily translate to financial acumen.

The New York Times

But some engineers want to go even further and give smart structures the ability to react to problems, rather than simply reporting them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's intelligence, consider using more specific terms like "intellectual capacity" or "cognitive skills" instead of "smart ability" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "smart ability" as it can be redundant. The term "smart" often implies a certain level of ability. Instead, focus on specifying the exact skill or aptitude you wish to describe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smart ability" functions as a noun phrase where "smart" modifies the noun "ability". However, this construction is somewhat redundant, as 'smart' inherently suggests ability. Ludwig AI highlights its awkwardness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smart ability" is considered grammatically questionable and redundant, as 'smart' inherently implies ability. Ludwig AI confirms its awkwardness. More precise alternatives like "intellectual capacity" or specifying the skill (e.g., "smart analytical skills") are recommended. The phrase is infrequent in authoritative sources and less suitable for formal contexts. It's best to opt for clearer and more specific language when describing someone's skills or intelligence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligent aptitude

Combines intelligence with a natural inclination towards something.

intellectual capacity

Replaces 'smart' with a more formal synonym, emphasizing mental capability.

sharp intellect

Highlights the keenness and quickness of the mind.

astute capability

Implies sharp perception and practical intelligence.

cognitive skill

Focuses on specific mental skills rather than general intelligence.

mental prowess

Emphasizes exceptional skill and dexterity of the mind.

exceptional skill

Focuses on skill level, implying higher intelligence or a quick learning curve.

clever talent

Highlights ingenuity and natural aptitude.

gifted intellect

Implies innate intelligence and talent.

brilliant mind

Suggests exceptional intelligence and creativity.

FAQs

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

While technically understandable, "smart ability" is not the most natural phrasing. Consider rephrasing to something like "intellectual capacity" or specify the skill, such as "smart analytical skills".

What can I say instead of "smart ability"?

You can use alternatives like "intellectual capacity", "cognitive skill", or "clever talent" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "smart ability" or "intellectual ability"?

"Intellectual ability" is generally preferred over "smart ability" as it's more formal and less colloquial. Both are acceptable, but "intellectual ability" provides greater clarity.

What's the difference between "smart ability" and "natural talent"?

"Smart ability" implies learned or developed intelligence, while "natural talent" suggests an innate aptitude. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize inherent skill or cultivated intelligence.