a real skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the authenticity or genuineness of a particular skill, often in contrast to something that may be perceived as less valuable or less legitimate. Example: "Being able to communicate effectively in a foreign language is a real skill that can open many doors in your career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"There's a real skill to it".

The New York Times - Tech

I just think it is a real skill," she explains.

The Guardian

Development journalism, done well, is a real skill.

The Guardian

Finding silence during the festival is a real skill.

The Guardian

There's a real skill set to good police work.

The Guardian

"That was a real skill that you need to develop over the years," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

One result, Sirkin suggests, is that the fake skills gap is threatening to create a real skills gap.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But we have a real skills shortage and it's going to get worse," says Kimpton-Smith, whose parents founded Cygnet in 1974.

The Guardian - Business

There is a real skills shortage: by 2016, Britain will need to train 96,300 new engineers and scientists just to replace those who retire.

The Guardian

There's also a real skills gap.

Huffington Post

"Winning a trifecta takes real skill," Mr. McConnell said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real skill" to highlight the importance of practical abilities in a specific context. For instance, "Effective communication is a real skill in leadership positions."

Common error

Avoid using "a real skill" when describing widely recognized abilities. Instead of saying "Reading is a real skill", consider something more specific like "Critical reading is a real skill for academic success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real skill" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "real" modifies the noun "skill", emphasizing its authenticity and genuine nature. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it highlights an ability that is not superficial or easily acquired.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science & Research

2%

Music

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a real skill" effectively communicates the presence of a genuine and valuable ability, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts, to highlight expertise and competence. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "a genuine talent" or "a true expertise" can offer more specific nuances depending on the intended meaning. Remember to use "a real skill" when emphasizing the importance of practical abilities in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine talent

Replaces "skill" with "talent" to emphasize natural aptitude.

an authentic ability

Uses "authentic" instead of "real" and "ability" instead of "skill", stressing genuineness.

a true expertise

Emphasizes mastery and knowledge instead of just skill.

a considerable proficiency

Highlights the level of competence and skill involved.

a significant aptitude

Focuses on the natural inclination towards a particular skill.

a notable competence

Stresses the observable ability to perform well.

a remarkable capability

Emphasizes the potential and capacity to excel.

a distinct knack

Highlights a natural and unique talent or ability.

a demonstrable skill

Focuses on how the skill can be proven or shown.

a valuable asset

Presents the skill as something beneficial and important.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real skill" to emphasize that someone possesses genuine expertise in a particular area. For example, "Coding is "a real skill" that is highly valued in the tech industry."

What are some alternatives to "a real skill"?

You can use alternatives like "a genuine talent", "a true expertise", or "an authentic ability" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "real skill" or "genuine skill"?

Both "real skill" and "genuine skill" are acceptable. "Real skill" often implies practical application and tangible results, while "genuine skill" suggests authenticity and innate ability. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe something as "a real skill"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a particular ability requires significant training, practice, or natural talent. It's also useful for differentiating a valuable, applicable skill from a less useful or superficial one.