unique ability

USAGE SUMMARY

'unique ability' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are referring to a particular talent or quality that someone or something possesses. For example: His basketball skills have been described as a unique ability.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's got unique ability".

The New York Times

Celeste Mountain has a unique ability.

The Washington Post

You have the unique ability to voice your opinion.

The Guardian

"This confirmed his unique ability to sustain a pace".

The New York Times - Sports

"He had a unique ability to bring Afghans together.

The New York Times

He has a unique ability to bridge East and West".

The New York Times

She had a unique ability to make everyone feel special.

The New York Times

And then he has this very unique ability to pull away.

The Guardian - Sport

"He had the unique ability to put people together, different backgrounds, cultures, heritages.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet Murdoch has a unique ability to reach donors, Republican apparatchiks, pundits and media consumers.

The Guardian

Bobbitt's originality lies in his almost unique ability to synthesize three quite different traditions of scholarship.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unique ability" to specifically highlight a rare or uncommon talent that sets someone or something apart. Ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the exceptional nature of the ability being described.

Common error

Avoid using "unique ability" to describe commonplace skills or attributes. The term implies exceptional rarity and distinctiveness, so it should be reserved for truly remarkable capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique ability" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unique" modifies the noun "ability". It serves to emphasize that the described ability is not common or ordinary. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unique ability" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to emphasize a rare or uncommon talent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using "unique ability", ensure that the context genuinely reflects an exceptional or distinctive talent, avoiding overuse for commonplace skills. Alternatives like "distinctive talent" or "exceptional skill" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's function is to highlight and draw attention to a distinguishing quality, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctive talent

Emphasizes the talent as being clearly distinguishable from others.

exceptional skill

Highlights the skill as being above average or superior.

remarkable gift

Suggests an inherent and special quality.

singular aptitude

Implies a specific and well-suited talent for a particular task.

uncommon capability

Focuses on the rarity and potential of the ability.

particular expertise

Highlights specialized knowledge or skill in a specific area.

special knack

Suggests a natural and effortless talent.

inimitable prowess

Emphasizes the unmatched and superior skill level.

exclusive talent

Highlights that the talent is not common and pertains to a single individual.

unmatched skill

Expresses how this skill is exceptional or beyond compare.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "unique ability" in a sentence?

To effectively use "unique ability", ensure the context emphasizes the rare or exceptional nature of the skill or talent. For instance, "Her "unique ability" to connect with people from different backgrounds made her an exceptional diplomat."

What phrases can I use instead of "unique ability"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "distinctive talent", "exceptional skill", or "remarkable gift" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "very unique ability"?

Yes, it's redundant. "Unique" already means one of a kind, so adding "very" is unnecessary. Simply use ""unique ability"".

What's the difference between "unique ability" and "special skill"?

"Unique ability" implies that the talent is one of a kind and rare, while "special skill" suggests that the skill is highly developed or valuable but not necessarily unique.