superior ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'superior ability' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to describe someone or something that has a skill or quality that is greater than that of other people or things. For example, "His superior ability to solve problems quickly earned him the promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one denies Pioneer's superior ability to create plasma TVs with deep, rich blacks.

The New York Times

A superior ability to concentrate, solve problems and focus are, of course, valuable in everyday life.

The Guardian

England were placid and most likely assumed that superior ability would tell sooner or later.

The Guardian - Sport

Throughout his life, Harold had a superior ability to feel what others were feeling.

The New Yorker

In this way, superior ability in reasoning can compensate for a deficiency in number ability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the most striking difference in the match was Sijsling's superior ability to return serve.

The New York Times

As gifted children age, they tend to retain superior ability in grasping new abstractions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Persons of superior ability, he argued, actively seek to confirm and aggrandize their social position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Socceroos will have to make their luck in the negative, by exploiting the spaces left behind by rivals of superior ability going forward.

The Guardian - Sport

These groups were defined on the basis of risk-adjusted market-timing performance over the previous 15 years — seemingly long enough to separate out those with superior ability.

The New York Times

Yet that apparent superior ability was only enough for Steve Bruce's team to finish fourth, 10 points off Burnley and six adrift of Middlesbrough.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an individual's skill, follow "superior ability" with a preposition like 'in' or 'at' to clearly define the area of expertise, such as "superior ability in problem-solving" or "superior ability at negotiation".

Common error

Avoid using "superior ability" in casual conversation; opt for simpler terms like "great skill" or "talent" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superior ability" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "superior" modifies the noun "ability". It describes a noteworthy level of competence or skill, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "superior ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a higher-than-average level of skill or competence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While suitable for formal and scientific contexts, it may be too elevated for casual conversation. Related phrases like "exceptional talent" and "remarkable skill" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. Remember to follow "superior ability" with 'in' or 'at' to clarify the area of expertise. Its prevalence in scientific and news publications underscores its relevance in conveying expertise and achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional talent

Emphasizes innate skill or gift.

remarkable skill

Highlights the noteworthiness of the ability.

outstanding proficiency

Focuses on mastery and competence.

first-rate capability

Stresses the high quality of the ability.

high-caliber aptitude

Implies a refined and excellent natural ability.

masterful competence

Suggests complete and skillful command.

unmatched expertise

Highlights unique and unparalleled knowledge.

elite skill set

Focuses on a collection of advanced skills.

top-tier talent

Indicates belonging to the highest level of ability.

advanced capability

Highlights a well-developed ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "superior ability" to describe someone's exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. For example, "Her superior ability to communicate complex ideas made her an excellent teacher."

What are some alternatives to "superior ability"?

Alternatives include "exceptional talent", "remarkable skill", or "outstanding proficiency", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "superior ability" or "excellent ability"?

"Superior ability" suggests a higher degree of skill compared to "excellent ability", but the best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Superior" implies being better than others, while "excellent" simply means very good.

What's the difference between "superior ability" and "greater ability"?

"Superior ability" implies a distinctly higher level of skill or competence, whereas "greater ability" simply indicates a higher level compared to something else, without necessarily implying exceptional skill.