untaught ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "untaught ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a skill or talent that someone possesses without formal training or education. Example: "Her untaught ability to play the piano amazed everyone at the gathering."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pilgrimage sites by untaught American artists.

The New York Times

Untaught of woman's worth.

The New York Times

(The late untaught marvels Henry Darger, Martín Ramírez, and Bill Traylor now verge on the status of modern masters).

The New Yorker

He acts as an agent for untaught artists, without a fee.

The New Yorker

"I think that American history has become almost an untaught subject today," Copeland said.

The Washington Post

The great classics of economics, from Smith to Ricardo to Veblen, go untaught.

The Guardian - Business

He was a private Rimsky pupil, not in the Conservatoire swim; relatively untaught, insecure.

The Guardian - Music

Science fiction can be imaginatively demanding and intellectually complex, but academic prejudice left readers untaught in how to read it.

The New Yorker

Then, the emission of untaught uninstructed tacts of the pictures was tested without reinforcement.

Research in Developmental Disabilities

Technical ability?

The Economist

He was a native genius, untaught, whose plays needed to be extensively rewritten to clear them of the impurities of their frequently vulgar style.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "untaught ability", consider providing specific examples to illustrate the skill in action. This adds credibility and makes the description more engaging.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all impressive skills are necessarily "untaught". Sometimes, skills that appear natural are the result of hidden practice or informal learning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "untaught ability" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It emphasizes the natural or inherent quality of a skill, suggesting it was acquired without formal instruction. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "untaught ability" describes a skill or talent developed without formal training. As the Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various writing contexts. While examples are scarce, the phrase is understood and can be replaced by alternatives like "innate talent" or "natural skill" to add variety. When using the phrase, it's important to illustrate with specific examples and avoid misattributing the source of skill, ensuring it truly stems from natural aptitude rather than hidden learning. Although categorized as "Missing" in frequency and with no available authoritative sources, the phrase holds value when used accurately and thoughtfully to describe remarkable, self-nurtured capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

innate talent

Refers to a natural, inborn skill or aptitude.

natural skill

Highlights a skill that comes easily and naturally to someone.

unlearned talent

Similar to "untaught ability", stressing the absence of formal instruction.

inherent aptitude

Emphasizes a built-in or intrinsic capacity for something.

intuitive skill

Suggests a skill that is performed based on intuition rather than learned knowledge.

instinctive talent

Highlights that the talent is driven by instinct.

self-acquired skill

Focuses on the fact that the skill was learned independently.

natural gift

Implies the ability is a special, inborn quality.

organic skill

Suggests a skill that has developed naturally and gradually.

spontaneous skill

Emphasizes that the skill is performed without conscious effort or planning.

FAQs

How can I describe a skill that someone possesses without formal training?

You can use the phrase "untaught ability" or alternatives such as "innate talent", "natural skill", or "self-acquired skill".

What does it mean when someone is described as having an "untaught ability"?

It means they possess a skill or talent that they have not learned through formal education or training but have developed naturally or through informal means.

Is it correct to say "untaught ability" or should I use a different phrase?

The phrase "untaught ability" is correct and understandable. However, you can also use alternatives like "inherent aptitude" or "intuitive skill" for variety.

What is the difference between "untaught ability" and "self-taught skill"?

"Untaught ability" emphasizes the lack of formal instruction, while "self-taught skill" highlights the individual's effort in learning the skill independently. They are similar, but "self-taught skill" implies active learning.