a rare skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rare skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a talent or ability that is uncommon or not frequently found among people. Example: "Her ability to solve complex mathematical problems quickly is truly a rare skill that sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

This is a rare skill.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is a rare skill.

The Guardian - Sport

He has a rare skill set that many quarterbacks in the league don't possess.

The New York Times

"It's a rare skill, to be that smart and that likable, so she might as well be on primetime TV".

The Guardian

It also taught readers how to understand dance itself, a rare skill — indeed, a rare ambition — at that time.

The New Yorker

Map-reading is a rare skill, and not one that is encouraged by a government obsessed by cartographic secrecy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

That is a very rare skill that requires serious talent.

BBC

Luckily, I have a fairly rare skill that is valued by my employer.

Los Angeles Times

It is a big, bony fish (filleting it properly is an increasingly rare skill), with moist flesh that is not unlike that of salmon.

The New York Times - Food

"Where's the map?" I asked, for although I am no driver, I am a navigator of rare skill and acuity.

Independent

Alwyn Hamilton's Rebel of the Sands is a brilliant blend of the magic of the East and the violent myths of the Western in a racing and romantic adventure featuring djinns and mythical beasts, the no-hope country of Dustlands and Amani Al'Hiza, a smart teenage orphan with rare skill with a gun.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's expertise, use "a rare skill" to highlight their unique and valuable abilities, especially in professional or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a rare skill" to describe commonplace abilities. Reserve it for truly exceptional or specialized talents to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rare skill" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "rare" modifies the noun "skill". Ludwig examples show it describing uncommon talents in various fields. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rare skill" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an uncommon or unique ability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers alternatives like "an uncommon skill" or "a unique skill". Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional and general communication. When using this phrase, ensure the skill is truly exceptional to avoid overstatement. Understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts will enhance your writing and accurately convey the value of the described ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uncommon skill

Replaces "rare" with "uncommon", maintaining the core meaning of infrequency.

a unique skill

Substitutes "rare" with "unique", emphasizing the distinctiveness of the skill.

an exceptional skill

Emphasizes the high quality and above-average nature of the skill.

a scarce skill

Replaces "rare" with "scarce", suggesting limited availability of the skill.

a hard-to-find skill

Highlights the difficulty in locating individuals possessing the skill.

a distinctive skill

Focuses on the skill's ability to set someone apart from others.

a singular skill

Emphasizes the one-of-a-kind nature of the skill.

an unusual skill

Indicates that the skill deviates from what is typically expected or seen.

a limited skill

Highlights how accessible this skill is.

an infrequently found skill

More explicitly describes that the skill is not often encountered.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rare skill" to emphasize the uniqueness and value of a particular ability. For example, "His ability to mediate disputes effectively is "a rare skill" in today's workplace".

What are some alternatives to saying "a rare skill"?

Alternatives include "an uncommon skill", "a unique skill", or "an exceptional skill", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe a skill as "a rare skill"?

It's appropriate when the skill is genuinely uncommon and provides a significant advantage or distinction. Ensure the skill isn't simply a common one performed exceptionally well.

What makes "a rare skill" different from a common skill?

A "rare skill" is not widely possessed or easily acquired, often requiring specialized training, innate talent, or extensive experience. A common skill, on the other hand, is more frequently found among people.