a paramount skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a paramount skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance of a particular skill in a given context. Example: "In today's competitive job market, communication is a paramount skill that every professional should develop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The report stresses that "de-escalation" is a paramount skill for police officers to learn, a process that was apparently overlooked when Sammy Yatim was loudly approached by gun-toting cops last July.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neglected for a long time, the insular cortex is a paramount structure that integrates low-level signals with higher-order motor skills and cognition.

European Journal of Neuroscience

Secrecy is a paramount concern.

The New York Times

Security remains a paramount concern.

The New York Times - Sports

"So safety became a paramount issue".

The New York Times

The budget obviously is a paramount consideration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Security has become a paramount issue.

The New York Times - Sports

He will have to make public safety a paramount issue.

The New York Times - Magazine

But of course public safety is a paramount concern.

The New Yorker

Establishing security for embassy personnel is a paramount concern.

The New York Times

Security became a paramount priority.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of a specific ability, use "a paramount skill" to convey its critical role in a given context. For example, in project management, effective communication is "a paramount skill".

Common error

While "a paramount skill" effectively conveys importance, avoid using it in overly casual settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "an important skill" or "a key skill" in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a paramount skill" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "paramount" modifies the noun "skill". It highlights the extreme importance or criticality of the specified skill. Ludwig examples show usage in various contexts, emphasizing the necessity of skills like de-escalation or communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a paramount skill" is used to emphasize the critical importance of a specific ability or skill. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "an essential skill" or "a crucial skill" exist, "a paramount skill" conveys a stronger sense of necessity. It's best suited for professional or formal settings, avoiding overuse in casual conversations. This phrase is relatively rare, suggesting a more deliberate and impactful choice of words when highlighting the significance of a particular skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential skill

Replaces "paramount" with "essential", indicating necessity.

a crucial skill

Substitutes "paramount" with "crucial", highlighting critical importance.

a vital skill

Uses "vital" instead of "paramount", emphasizing the skill's importance for success or survival.

a key skill

Replaces "paramount" with "key", indicating the skill is fundamental.

a critical skill

Substitutes "paramount" with "critical", implying the skill is decisive or crucial.

a mandatory skill

Replaces "paramount" with "mandatory", stressing that the skill is compulsory or required.

an indispensable skill

Substitutes "paramount" with "indispensable", indicating the skill is absolutely necessary.

a requisite skill

Replaces "paramount" with "requisite", meaning the skill is a necessary condition.

a fundamental skill

Uses "fundamental" instead of "paramount", emphasizing the basic or essential nature of the skill.

a top-tier skill

Replaces "paramount" with "top-tier", highlighting the skill's superior quality or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "a paramount skill" in a sentence?

Use "a paramount skill" to emphasize the critical importance of a specific skill in a particular context. For example, "De-escalation is "a paramount skill" for police officers."

What are some alternatives to "a paramount skill"?

You can use alternatives like "an essential skill", "a crucial skill", or "a vital skill" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a paramount skill"?

It is appropriate to use "a paramount skill" when you want to emphasize that a particular ability is of the utmost importance in a given situation or field. It is suitable for professional, academic, or formal contexts.

Is "a paramount skill" different from "an important skill"?

Yes, "a paramount skill" suggests a higher level of importance than "an important skill". While both indicate significance, "paramount" implies that the skill is absolutely crucial or indispensable.