Strong suit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Strong suit" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person's area of expertise or strength, often in the context of skills or abilities. Example: "While I enjoy many aspects of my job, public speaking is definitely not my strong suit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Desserts are another strong suit.

The New York Times

It's my strong suit.

The New York Times

Not my strong suit.

The Guardian

BERTIE: Timing isn't my strong suit.

The New York Times

Decorating was not his strong suit.

The New Yorker

Apps are the iPad's strong suit.

The New York Times

Reflection is not Paulson's strong suit.

The New York Times

The appetizers here are a strong suit.

The New Yorker

Beware: Grammar is not his strong suit.

The New Yorker

Restraint has never been my strong suit.

The New York Times

Sophia's hospitality is its strong suit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing a particular skill or advantage, use "Strong suit" to highlight expertise within a specific context. For instance, "Data analysis is her strong suit when tackling complex business problems."

Common error

Avoid using "Strong suit" in situations where a general ability is implied rather than a specialized skill. For example, instead of saying "Being nice is not his strong suit", consider "He is not particularly known for his friendliness."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Strong suit" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a particular skill, ability, or area of expertise in which someone excels. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used to highlight strengths in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Strong suit" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote someone's area of expertise or a particular strength. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread acceptance and usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically correct, it is essential to apply it contextually, reserving it for specialized skills rather than general attributes. Alternatives like "area of expertise" or "forte" can add nuance to formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Long suit

An equivalent phrase with the same meaning but less frequently used in modern context.

Area of expertise

More formal and directly refers to specialized knowledge or skill.

Forte

A more sophisticated term for a particular strength or talent.

Strength

A general term for a quality or attribute that provides an advantage.

Talent

Refers to a natural aptitude or skill.

Specialty

Denotes a particular area of focus or skill within a profession or field.

Ace in the hole

An idiom referring to a hidden advantage or strength.

Gifted at

Describes being naturally skilled or talented in a specific area.

Proficient in

Indicates a high level of competence in a particular skill or area.

Good at

A more general and less emphatic way of stating competence.

FAQs

How can I use "Strong suit" in a sentence?

"Strong suit" is used to describe someone's area of expertise or strength. For example: "Negotiation is his "strong suit", allowing him to close deals effectively."

What are some alternatives to saying "Strong suit"?

You can use alternatives such as "area of expertise", "forte", or simply "strength" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Strong suit" in formal writing?

Yes, "Strong suit" is suitable for formal writing, but alternatives like "area of expertise" may be preferred for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "Strong suit" and "Weakness"?

"Strong suit" refers to an area where someone excels, while "weakness" refers to an area where someone struggles or lacks proficiency. They are antonyms.