Skill set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Skill set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person's abilities or competencies in a specific area or field. Example: "Her skill set includes advanced programming, project management, and effective communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Skill set one consisted of knee examination techniques and skill set two consisted of ankle/foot examination techniques.

BMC Medical Education

Hernandez's skill set is unique.

The New York Times - Sports

"He has a different skill set.

The New York Times - Sports

"The MBA gives executives a skill set.

Independent

His awareness, his skill set.

The Guardian - Sport

Certainly within his skill set.

The Guardian - Film

But it's not beyond her skill set.

The New York Times

Your skill set has been phased out.

The New Yorker

"He had the skill set," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

James has got an outstanding skill-set.

The Guardian - Sport

We have the skill-set.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's qualifications for a role, specify the "skill set" relevant to the job requirements to demonstrate a clear match.

Common error

Avoid using "skill set" without specifying the actual skills involved. Instead of saying "He has a strong skill set", detail the specific skills such as "project management", "data analysis", and "communication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Skill set" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities that a person possesses. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Skill set" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a collection of abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile, appearing in various contexts from news and media to scientific literature. To use it effectively, specify the actual skills involved rather than relying on overly broad descriptions. Alternatives like "expertise inventory" or "competency portfolio" can be used depending on the context. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "Skill set" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Technical skillset

Limits the abilities to a specific technical domain or field.

Professional expertise

Highlights expertise within a formal or professional context.

Competency portfolio

Emphasizes a collection of demonstrated competencies, implying a formal assessment or documentation.

Range of abilities

Focuses on the diversity and scope of someone's abilities, often implying versatility.

Expertise inventory

Focuses on a comprehensive listing of someone's expertise, often used in professional contexts.

Talent repertoire

Highlights the range of talents someone possesses, suggesting a diverse and adaptable skill base.

Proficiency spectrum

Suggests a range of proficiencies across different areas, emphasizing the breadth of skills.

Capability matrix

Implies a structured and organized representation of capabilities, often used in business or technical settings.

Aptitude collection

Refers to a group of natural aptitudes, highlighting innate abilities rather than learned skills.

Mastery compilation

Focuses on a set of skills where someone has achieved a high level of mastery.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "Skill set" in a sentence?

Use "Skill set" to describe the range of abilities a person or group possesses. For example: "Her "skill set" includes advanced programming, project management, and effective communication." It can also refer to abilities needed for a specific task.

What are some alternatives to using "Skill set"?

You can use alternatives like "expertise inventory", "competency portfolio", or "range of abilities" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "skill set of skills"?

Yes, saying "skill set of skills" is redundant. "Skill set" already implies a collection of skills, so simply using "skill set" is sufficient.

What's the difference between "Skill set" and "Knowledge base"?

"Skill set" refers to the abilities and competencies one possesses, while "knowledge base" refers to the information and understanding one has accumulated. A "skill set" enables one to perform tasks, while a "knowledge base" informs one's decisions and understanding.