a certain level of skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain level of skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the degree of proficiency or expertise required for a task or activity. Example: "To succeed in this competition, participants must demonstrate a certain level of skill in their chosen discipline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The game, above a certain level of skill, is played at a lunatic extremity of effort.

The New Yorker

"You do need a certain level of skill and plenty of time to make a wedding dress," she says.

The Guardian - Money

Later abortions require a certain level of skill and experience and, at the general hospital, doctors were unsure how to care for such a young girl.

The Guardian

As a consultant social worker, you'll have a number of enthusiastic people on hand who have already demonstrated a certain level of skill.

The Guardian

Many recipes require a significant time commitment, a certain level of skill, a reasonably equipped kitchen and a healthy dose of persistence.

The New York Times

They have to have a certain level of skill to be able to do the job, but then I want to know, are they passionate and do they give great effort?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Working in a large organization means a certain level of social skills are needed to successfully collaborate.

Huffington Post

A certain level of computer skills by both suppliers and users (the physicians) is required.

BMC Health Services Research

20 26 Conventional treatments require the use of multiple ointments and dressings of suitable size and type, and the treatment requires a certain level of specialist skills.

BMJ Open

It should be noted, in general, that a certain level of informatics skills was needed in order to participate in the study, thereby limiting the generalizability of our study.

BMC Medical Ethics

Achieve a certain level of the skills to make the kind of barrel you want.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain level of skill", clearly define what that level entails to avoid ambiguity. Provide examples or benchmarks to illustrate the expected proficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain level of skill" without specifying the context or type of skill required. For example, stating that "a job requires a certain level of skill" is vague; instead, specify "a certain level of coding skill" or "a certain level of communication skill".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain level of skill" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "skill". It quantifies the degree of proficiency or expertise necessary for a particular task or activity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain level of skill" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a required degree of proficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is generally correct across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and technical writing. To maximize clarity, it's best to specify the type of skill and the expected proficiency level. Alternative phrases, such as "a degree of expertise" or "adequate expertise", can be used to add nuance. The phrase sees its best use when providing context to the required ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific level of proficiency

Replaces "certain" with "specific", making the requirement more definite.

a degree of expertise

Emphasizes specialized knowledge and experience rather than general skill.

necessary degree of skill

Emphasizes that the skill is essential for achieving a specific outcome.

a measure of competence

Uses "competence" as a synonym for skill, implying a measurable standard.

required skill level

Highlights the mandatory nature of the skill for a task.

a particular skill set

Focuses on the specific skills needed rather than the degree of proficiency.

sufficient competence

Implies meeting a minimum requirement.

adequate expertise

Suggests that the skill is sufficient for a given purpose.

essential skills

Focuses on a set of core abilities needed for a particular role or activity.

basic proficiency

Refers to a foundational level of skill.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "a certain level of skill" into a sentence?

You can use "a certain level of skill" to indicate the degree of proficiency required for a task. For instance, "Operating this machinery requires "a certain level of skill" in mechanics".

What phrases are similar to "a certain level of skill"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a degree of expertise", "a specific level of proficiency", or "adequate expertise", each emphasizing a particular aspect of competence.

Is it better to be specific about the skill required rather than using "a certain level of skill"?

Specificity enhances clarity. Instead of ""a certain level of skill" is needed", specifying "a high level of coding skill is needed" provides more actionable information.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain level of skill" in professional writing?

It's suitable when discussing job requirements or training programs. For example, "Successful completion of this course demonstrates "a certain level of proficiency" in data analysis".