unusual ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusual ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a skill or talent that is not commonly found or is exceptional in some way. Example: "Her unusual ability to solve complex mathematical problems quickly set her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The roundworm has an unusual ability to fight viruses, which it does using RNAi.

Columbia University

Tom had the unusual ability to see things well in R^n.

Stanford University

The unusual ability of schistosome surface membrane to escape immune recognition and damage are reviewed.

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Jeanne's armlet gives her the unusual ability to temporarily transform into a supersoldier.

The New York Times - Tech

He had developed the unusual ability to stop on a dime and relax instantly.

The New York Times

Savage has channelled her unusual ability for mimicry into an unusual profession: that of champion beatboxer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He had "an unusual ability — a divine gift, I believe — of extraordinary eye and hand coordination".

The New Yorker

Mr. Kempinas has an unusual ability to derive the maximum effects from the slightest of means.

The New York Times

Phil has such an unusual ability to laugh at things, whether we're behind or tied.

The New York Times - Sports

Her talent for bridging the generations flowed from an unusual ability to listen creatively.

The Guardian

Tells about his career, his unusual ability as a salesman, his workshop, etc.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unusual ability" to highlight specific and observable traits rather than general characteristics to make your writing more convincing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the rarity of the ability. Ensure that the ability truly stands out and isn't just a common skill performed well. Check to see if a similar "unique talent" is a better descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusual ability" functions as a noun phrase, where "unusual" modifies "ability." It serves to describe a specific skill or talent that is not commonly observed or developed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unusual ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to denote a distinctive or exceptional skill. As validated by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for a wide array of contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "exceptional talent" or "remarkable aptitude" exist, the specific choice hinges on the precise nuance you want to convey. When deploying this phrase, ensure you illustrate the ability with concrete examples to amplify its impact and evade overstating its uniqueness. The frequency and distribution across authoritative sources highlight its widespread acceptance and utility in describing remarkable human capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional talent

Emphasizes a high degree of skill or gift.

remarkable aptitude

Highlights a natural inclination or skill.

extraordinary gift

Focuses on an innate talent that is exceptional.

unique skill set

Refers to a combination of skills that is distinctive.

distinctive talent

Emphasizes the uniqueness and recognizability of the talent.

singular capability

Stresses the individual and exceptional nature of the ability.

rare proficiency

Highlights the infrequency and high level of skill.

uncommon skill

Focuses on the rarity of the skill.

special knack

Implies an inherent talent or aptitude for something.

peculiar talent

Suggests a talent that is strange or odd, yet remarkable.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "unusual ability", specify what makes the ability stand out and provide context. For example, "Her "unusual ability" to recall details made her an excellent detective."

What are some alternatives to using "unusual ability"?

You can use alternatives like "exceptional talent", "remarkable aptitude", or "extraordinary gift" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unusual ability" or "unique skill"?

The choice between "unusual ability" and "unique skill" depends on the context. "Unusual ability" emphasizes the rarity of the talent, while "unique skill" highlights its distinctiveness. They are pretty similar, but focus on different attributes.

What makes an ability "unusual" rather than just "good"?

An ability is considered "unusual" if it is not commonly found or if it manifests in an unexpected or extraordinary way, surpassing typical levels of skill. It's more than just being "good at" something; it's about having a rare or remarkable aptitude.