talent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a natural ability or skill in a particular area, often in the context of arts, sports, or professions. Example: "Her talent for painting was evident from a young age, as she created stunning works of art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is a huge waste of the next generation's skills, potential and talent and it comes at a huge cost to young black and minority-ethnic people, their families, taxpayers and the economy".

The Guardian

But Simon Cowell made a fleeting appearance at the talent show's glitzy launch event in London on Thursday – and thanked the media for making him "loads of money".

The Guardian

That means ensuring that those who do come here are the brightest and the best, the people we really need with the skills and entrepreneurial talent to create the British jobs and growth that will help us to win in the global race".

The Guardian

But Liz Bingham, EY's managing partner for talent in the UK & Ireland, argues that there is a place for them: "Women-only networks are about so much more than prosecco and cupcakes.

The Guardian

Louis Walsh has given the X Factor producers another headache by turning up late for the ITV talent show's auditions.

The Guardian

But it does need to be said that Roger was, and is, one of journalism's forces of nature: a fount of talent, professionalism, intuition – and fun.

The Guardian

And this from a man who is not just a fellow depression sufferer but a coach of young talent.

The Guardian - Sport

This meant that talent both behind the camera and in front of the camera were able to learn their craft, which in turn led to shows such as The Cosby Show being made for primetime audiences, which in turn proved to be training grounds for the next generation of talent".

The Guardian

#bleepme is a creative tool and discovery platform, it's all about showcasing new creative talent.

The Guardian

Some organisations need to tap into different skills and experience to create the right mix of talent to oversee new areas of work.

The Guardian

He agreed that retaining talent helps to attract talent, but added that it was important to "refresh" the organisation: "Loss of talent can be reinvigorating… it should be seen as a positive step".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "talent", be specific about the area or field in which the talent is demonstrated. For example, specify "musical talent" or "literary talent".

Common error

Avoid using "talent" in overly broad or vague contexts. Instead of saying someone has "talent", specify what they are talented at.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "talent" is as a noun, referring to a natural aptitude or skill. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "talent" serves as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "talent" is a versatile noun widely used to describe a natural ability or skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate in various settings. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but is also common in business and general discussions. While "talent" is often used broadly, specifying the area of talent enhances clarity. Alternatives like "natural ability" and "aptitude" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. By using "talent" precisely and understanding its connotations, writers can effectively communicate about inherent capabilities and skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Natural ability

Focuses specifically on innate capabilities rather than acquired skills.

Inherent skill

Highlights the inborn aspect of a particular skill.

Giftedness

Emphasizes exceptional natural abilities.

Aptitude

Suggests a natural inclination or suitability for something.

Proficiency

Focuses on competence and expertise in a specific area.

Expertise

Emphasizes deep knowledge and skill in a particular field.

Capacity

Refers to the potential or ability to do something.

Flair

Suggests a distinctive and stylish quality in performance.

Knack

Implies an intuitive and easy way of doing something.

Natural endowment

Highlights the innate provision of a particular quality or ability.

FAQs

How can I use "talent" in a sentence?

You can use "talent" to describe a natural ability or skill. For example, "She has a remarkable "talent" for playing the piano" or "The company is looking for new "talent" to join their team".

What are some alternatives to the word "talent"?

Alternatives to "talent" include "skill", "aptitude", "gift", "ability", and "knack", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "talents" instead of "talent"?

Yes, "talents" (plural) can be used to refer to multiple abilities or skills that someone possesses, while "talent" (singular) refers to a general or specific ability. For example, "She has many "talents"".

What's the difference between "talent" and "skill"?

"Talent" often implies an innate or natural ability, while "skill" is usually acquired through learning and practice. Someone might have a "talent" for music but develop the "skill" of playing an instrument through lessons.