a special skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular talent or ability that is unique or noteworthy. Example: "She has a special skill for playing the piano that captivates everyone who hears her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the decades to follow, brain scientists found that the left brain-right brain split is only the most obvious division of labor; in fact, the brain contains a swarm of specialized modules, each performing a special skill — calculating a distance, parsing a voice tone — and all of them running at the same time, communicating in widely distributed networks, often across hemispheres.

The New York Times - Science

That's a special skill today".

Independent

It's a special skill.

The New York Times

He has a special skill at negotiating among conflicting groups.

The New Yorker

You don't need a special skill set, they say.

The New York Times

"Jumping into the fire, that's a special skill set".

The New York Times

As expected in Y.A. fiction, Lina has both a love interest and a special skill.

The New York Times

Acting in panto demands a special skill that even some the finest performers don't have.

The Guardian

Syred says some of the performers have a special skill in impersonation.

The Guardian

You don't need a special skill — you just spray it in the nose.

The New Yorker

Perhaps a specialist, high-value or hard-to-find product or a special skill.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To showcase the importance of a skill in a particular field, use "a special skill" to underline its significance. For instance, "In project management, effective communication is a special skill."

Common error

Avoid using overly broad descriptors when "a special skill" is meant to highlight a unique talent. Instead of saying someone is "good at things", specify the "special skill" that makes them stand out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special skill" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes a specific, often valuable, ability that someone possesses, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a special skill" is a grammatically sound and versatile term used to emphasize a unique or noteworthy ability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business environments. Given its frequent usage and clear meaning, mastering the use of "a special skill" can enhance communication by accurately highlighting particular talents or expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique talent

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and rarity of the ability.

a particular aptitude

Highlights a natural inclination or suitability for something.

a remarkable ability

Stresses the exceptional nature and impressiveness of the skill.

a specialized expertise

Focuses on the depth and focused knowledge within a specific area.

a distinctive capability

Indicates a characteristic strength or potential to perform well.

an exceptional gift

Suggests an inborn talent that sets someone apart.

a rare proficiency

Underlines the uncommon and advanced level of competence.

a singular forte

Points to an area where someone excels and demonstrates exceptional ability.

a notable command

Implies a high level of mastery and control over a skill or subject.

a dedicated craft

Highlights an area where someone excels and has invested efforts to become an expert.

FAQs

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

You can use "a special skill" to highlight a unique talent or ability someone possesses. For example, "Her "special skill" is her ability to negotiate effectively".

What's the difference between "a special skill" and "a unique talent"?

While both phrases refer to an ability, "a special skill" implies a developed proficiency, whereas "a unique talent" suggests a more innate or rare gift.

Which is correct, "a special skill" or "a skill"?

"A skill" refers to any ability, while "a special skill" denotes a particular or exceptional ability that is noteworthy.

What can I say instead of "a special skill"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique talent", "a particular aptitude", or "a remarkable ability", depending on the context.