sophisticated ability

USAGE SUMMARY

'sophisticated ability' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an advanced or complex level of skill. For example, "Jane showed remarkable sophistication in her ability to solve complex mathematics problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"To help those who help others is actually a very sophisticated ability".

The New York Times - Science

RAW has excellent access to the Northern Alliance and a highly sophisticated ability to intercept electronic communications.

The New Yorker

But neither is the ability to teach reading, which requires sophisticated ability to help children decode words and develop a phonetic awareness.

The New York Times

He was an unyielding defensive presence, almost unbeatable in the air, who gave Ronnie Glavin, Trevor Aylott and a very young and erratic David Speedie a platform to showcase their more sophisticated ability.

The Guardian - Sport

Richard Lawless, a Pentagon official, recently said China had developed a "very sophisticated" ability to attack American computer and internet systems.The Pentagon's fear is that military leaders enamoured of new technology may underestimate the diplomatic consequences of trying it out.

The Economist

"We've shown that they can predict others' behaviors, which is a sophisticated ability," and one not previously demonstrated.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

That's O.K.; it may not be in our best interest, as a species, to admit that animals have more sophisticated abilities when it comes to seeing the future.

The New Yorker

It's now clear that many of our most sophisticated abilities are made possible not by specialist brain areas dedicated to specific tasks, but by lightning-fast coordination between areas that control more general tasks, such as movement and hearing.

BBC

Having our devices think and act like us is a natural path, though, and while at the moment our resources seem to limit us to simulating functions we as humans (and fish) develop in the cradle, that doesn't mean more sophisticated abilities can't or won't be developed.

TechCrunch

A study out last year in the Cambridge Archaeological Journal argued that fire-builders would have needed some sophisticated abilities to keep their hearths burning, such as long-term planning (gathering firewood) and group cooperation.

Huffington Post

Chimpanzees have sophisticated abilities for individual identification in terms of kinship detection [9] and understanding conspecific facial expression [10].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sophisticated ability" to describe skills that require a high degree of complexity, training, or innate talent.

Common error

Avoid using "sophisticated ability" to describe simple tasks or skills. Reserve it for situations where the ability genuinely demonstrates a high level of refinement or complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sophisticated ability" functions as a noun phrase where "sophisticated" modifies the noun "ability", indicating a high degree of skill or competence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

46%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sophisticated ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe advanced or complex skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English and appears across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal in register, its use should be reserved for situations where a high degree of skill refinement is evident. Alternatives include "advanced capability" and "highly developed skill". Understanding its appropriate contexts and potential pitfalls ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Advanced capability

Emphasizes the high level and progress in the ability.

Highly developed skill

Highlights the extensive refinement of the skill.

Refined talent

Focuses on the polished and cultivated nature of the talent.

Masterful aptitude

Implies a superior level of skill and natural inclination.

Expert proficiency

Stresses the expertise and competence in the ability.

Exceptional competence

Highlights the unusual and outstanding level of competence.

Seasoned expertise

Indicates that the ability has been developed through extensive experience.

Specialized capacity

Emphasizes that the ability is specific and tailored for a particular purpose.

Complex skill set

Implies that the ability is composed of various interconnected skills.

Nuanced understanding

Focuses on the subtleties and deep comprehension involved in the ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "sophisticated ability" to describe someone's advanced skills. For instance, "Her "sophisticated ability" to analyze data made her an invaluable asset to the team."

What are some alternatives to "sophisticated ability"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "advanced capability", "highly developed skill", or "refined talent".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sophisticated ability"?

Use "sophisticated ability" when referring to skills that are not only complex but also refined through training or experience. It's best suited for contexts where the skill demonstrates a high level of mastery.

Is "sophisticated ability" a formal or informal phrase?

"Sophisticated ability" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While it isn't overly technical, it's more appropriate for professional, academic, or news-related content than casual conversation.