English skills

USAGE SUMMARY

"English skills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's ability to read, write and speak English. For example: "Max has excellent English skills and can fluently speak three languages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

English skills in Vietnam are also excellent.

TechCrunch

Some companies complain of poor communication and English skills.

The New York Times

"I need to acquire solid English skills," he said.

The New York Times

Now, he's proud of his daughter's English skills.

The Guardian

It's Ricardo Rincon, whose English skills are rudimentary.

The New York Times - Magazine

Good English skills are the ticket to a prosperous life.

The New York Times

Foreign applicants to American universities must submit scores on standardized tests of their English skills.

The New York Times

They would require new Jobseekers Allowance claimants with poor English skills to attend classes.

Independent

Their English skills are poor and they are unprofessional, he said.

The New York Times

It's designed for learning very practical English skills, and is free.

The New York Times

As students advance in their English skills, they can learn about introductions, topic sentences and conclusions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "English skills" when referring to a range of abilities in English, not just one aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "English skills" as a blanket term. Instead, specify the skill level in specific areas, such as "advanced writing skills" or "conversational speaking skills" to provide a clearer picture of someone's abilities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "English skills" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject of a sentence. It denotes a person's competencies in the English language. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "English skills" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase referring to one's abilities in the English language. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and suitable for general use. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. For more precise descriptions, consider alternatives like "English proficiency" or specifying particular skills such as reading, writing, and speaking. The phrase maintains a neutral register suitable across various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

English proficiency

Focuses specifically on the level of competence in English.

English language ability

Emphasizes the general ability to use the English language.

Command of English

Highlights the control and mastery over the English language.

English competence

Indicates the capacity to function effectively in English.

Fluency in English

Specifically refers to the ability to speak English smoothly and easily.

English literacy

Focuses on the ability to read and write in English.

English language expertise

Implies a high level of specialized knowledge in English.

English communication skills

Highlights the ability to effectively communicate in English.

Knowledge of English

Refers to the understanding and awareness of the English language.

English aptitude

Highlights the natural ability to learn and understand English.

FAQs

How to use "English skills" in a sentence?

You can use "English skills" in a sentence to describe someone's ability to use the English language. For example: "Improving your "English skills" can open up new career opportunities."

What can I say instead of "English skills"?

You can use alternatives like "English proficiency", "English language ability", or "command of English" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "English skill" or "English skills"?

"English skills" is generally more appropriate when referring to a range of abilities such as reading, writing, and speaking. "English skill" could be used when referring to a singular aspect of English ability, though it is less common.

What's the difference between "English skills" and "English proficiency"?

"English skills" refers to the practical abilities in English, while "English proficiency" often implies a measured level of competence, often assessed through tests or certifications.