tremendous ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tremendous ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who possesses a great skill or talent in a particular area. Example: "Her tremendous ability to solve complex problems quickly makes her an invaluable asset to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He had tremendous ability," Carroll told People magazine in 1996.

The New York Times - Sports

"They have a tremendous ability to reproduce and recover".

The New York Times - Science

He had "movie-star looks and a tremendous ability to speak and sing," said Mr. Johnson.

The New York Times

"Her tremendous ability was such that she opened doors that were not generally open to women".

The New York Times

He has tremendous ability, but his determination is also a remarkable asset.

The New York Times - Sports

"He has a tremendous ability to work shoulder to shoulder with agents," said Ms. White, who was Mr. Kelley's boss.

The New York Times

Although music has a tremendous ability to create communal feeling, no community can form without excluding outsiders.

The New Yorker

Dr. Baker said this week: "People who come from darkness often have a tremendous ability to heal.

The New York Times - Style

"The horse has tremendous ability and after a rest here should be spot-on temperamentally for the big Cheltenham race.

The Guardian - Sport

"When he and the deputy mayor really focus on something, they have a tremendous ability to get things done.

The New York Times

"The market has a tremendous ability to take the avant garde and find sellable items within it," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific skill, follow "tremendous ability" with a preposition like "in" or "to" followed by the specific area or task where the ability is demonstrated. For instance, "tremendous ability in problem-solving" or "tremendous ability to adapt to new situations".

Common error

While "tremendous ability" is versatile, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "great skill" or "amazing talent" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tremendous ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "tremendous" modifies the noun "ability". It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing the extent or quality of someone's skill or capacity. This is consistent with examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tremendous ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a significant level of skill or capacity. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct. It functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object, and is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, with considerable presence in Scientific and Formal & Business domains. While versatile, it's best to use "tremendous ability" to emphasize noteworthy skills, and consider simpler alternatives in very informal settings. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable talent

Highlights an outstanding or noteworthy level of skill.

extraordinary skill

Suggests a skill level that is beyond the ordinary.

exceptional aptitude

Emphasizes a natural talent or inclination toward a specific area.

immense capability

Highlights the large scope of someone's capacity to perform.

profound expertise

Focuses on deep knowledge and mastery in a particular field.

notable adeptness

Highlights the skill is obvious and worth mentioning.

considerable proficiency

Indicates a significant level of competence.

significant prowess

Indicates a superior skill or dexterity, often in a specific field.

substantial competence

Emphasizes a solid and significant level of skill and knowledge.

vast potential

Focuses on the great possibilities for future development and skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "tremendous ability" to describe someone's significant skill or capacity, as in "She has a "tremendous ability" to learn new languages quickly".

What are some alternatives to "tremendous ability"?

Alternatives include "exceptional aptitude", "remarkable talent", or "extraordinary skill", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "tremendous ability" in formal writing?

Yes, "tremendous ability" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a strong sense of skill and is appropriate for professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "tremendous ability" and "great ability"?

"Tremendous ability" emphasizes a higher degree of skill or capacity compared to "great ability". While both are positive, "tremendous" suggests something particularly noteworthy.