a skill for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a skill for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a particular ability or talent that someone possesses for a specific activity or task. Example: "She has a skill for painting that sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a skill for life," he said.

The Guardian - Business

She had a skill for self-effacement that a spook might envy.

The Guardian - Arts

With a believable narrative, agility, flexibility, a willingness to exercise judgment and a skill for improvisation.

The Guardian

Take up archery so that you have a skill for the dystopian future.

The New Yorker

I used to say it's more than just a qualification it's a skill for life.

The Guardian

Is negotiation a skill for which men are simply better socialized than women?

Harvard Business Review

Second, what motivates people to practice a skill for thousands of hours?

The New York Times

They share a skill for inspirational speechmaking, and both took office at a time of political turbulence.

Independent

It's quite a skill for the facilitator of the group to help the children work through any problems they face.

Independent

Her co-star, though, anchors the evening, showing a skill for Shaw that he has previously displayed for Noel Coward.

The New York Times - Arts

When he died in 1884, he was remembered as a puttering monk with a skill for breeding plants.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a skill for", ensure that the noun following "for" clearly defines the area or activity where the skill is applied. For example, "a skill for negotiation" is clearer than "a skill for success."

Common error

Avoid using "a skill for" with overly broad or vague terms. Instead of saying someone has "a skill for life", specify the particular skill, such as "a skill for problem-solving" or "a skill for adapting to change".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a skill for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a noun and preposition, modifying a noun to describe a particular aptitude or competence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a skill for" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote competence or talent in a specific area. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, academic writing, and general informative contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the area where the skill is relevant and avoid overly broad terms. Alternatives like "a talent for" or "an aptitude for" can offer subtle nuances in meaning. Remember that while both "a skill for" and "a skill in" are correct, "a skill for" is generally used when referring to a purpose or activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a talent for

Replaces "skill" with "talent", emphasizing a natural aptitude.

an aptitude for

Substitutes "skill" with "aptitude", highlighting a natural inclination.

a knack for

Uses "knack" instead of "skill", suggesting an inherent ease or dexterity.

a proficiency in

Replaces "skill for" with "proficiency in", indicating a high level of competence.

a facility with

Employs "facility with", suggesting ease and fluency in handling something.

a capacity for

Uses "capacity" instead of "skill", focusing on the potential to develop competence.

a competence in

Replaces "skill for" with "competence in", indicating a qualified and capable ability.

an expertise in

Substitutes "skill for" with "expertise in", emphasizing specialized knowledge and mastery.

an ability to

Focuses on the general capability to perform an action, rather than a specific talent.

a strength in

Replaces "skill for" with "strength in", emphasizing an area of particular effectiveness.

FAQs

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

Use "a skill for" to describe someone's natural or acquired ability to do something well. For example, "She has "a skill for languages", making her a great translator."

What are some alternatives to "a skill for"?

Alternatives include "a talent for", "an aptitude for", or "a knack for". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a skill for" or "a skill in"?

"A skill for" and "a skill in" are both grammatically correct, but "a skill for" is generally used when referring to a purpose or activity. For example, "He has "a skill for negotiation"". "A skill in" is more often used to describe a general area of expertise, for instance, "She has "a skill in coding"."

How does "a skill for" differ from "an ability to"?

"A skill for" implies a developed proficiency or natural talent in a specific area, while "an ability to" simply indicates the capacity to do something. For instance, someone might have "a skill for public speaking" (they're good at it), but have "an ability to communicate" (they can communicate, but not necessarily expertly).