a specific skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular ability or expertise that is distinct from others. Example: "To excel in this job, you need to demonstrate a specific skill in data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Points will be fast paced and directed towards mastering a specific skill.

University of California, Berkeley

"There's a need to fill positions that don't require a specific skill," he said.

The New York Times

"Knitwear is such a specific skill set: using the machinery; how to program the pattern.

The New York Times

Seems to be synonymous with "utility player," once used to indicate a specific skill in fill-in situations, a "utility infielder" or "pinch runner".

The New York Times

On the other hand, a specially designed therapeutic toy can focus more directly on a specific skill, like maintaining appropriate eye contact.

The New York Times

Assessing families for permanence is a specific skill and is distinct from assessing and managing risk in the birth family home.

The Guardian

It also allows them to offer more services to clients when they need a specific skill or to meet a surge in work.

The Guardian

QUESTION FROM WENDY: I wonder, do most designers start with a talent for sketching, or does that vary, and each has a specific skill?

The New Yorker

So over the past few decades, camps that promise to develop a specific skill -- music, basketball, computers, video-making -- have prospered while generalist camps have suffered.

The New York Times

Studio giants such as DreamWorks often farm out shots to production companies with a specific skill base, so British firms are grabbing bigger slices of global projects, too.

The Guardian - Money

A specific skill will never be an enduring source of self-reliance, because it risks losing its value in the marketplace.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a specific skill", ensure you clearly define or imply what that skill is within the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific skill" without providing any context or examples. This can leave the reader wondering what skill you're actually referring to. Always ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific skill" functions as a noun phrase, where "specific" modifies the noun "skill". According to Ludwig AI, it's used to denote a particular ability or expertise. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in identifying required qualifications or areas of proficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific skill" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a particular ability or expertise. Ludwig AI indicates that it's versatile and widely used across diverse contexts, from news articles and scientific publications to business documents. While it is deemed correct and very common, clarity is paramount: always ensure the context makes clear which skill you are referring to. Alternatives like "a particular skill" or "a distinct skill" can be used for stylistic variation. By following best practices and avoiding vague references, you can effectively use "a specific skill" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular skill

Uses "particular" instead of "specific", slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.

a distinct skill

Replaces "specific" with "distinct", highlighting the uniqueness of the skill.

a unique skill

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

a specialized skill

Focuses on the specialized nature of the skill, implying advanced training or knowledge.

a precise skill

Highlights the accuracy and exactness required by the skill.

a technical skill

Implies a skill related to technology or a specialized field.

a concrete skill

Stresses the practical and tangible aspect of the skill.

a relevant skill

Indicates that the skill is applicable and important in a given context.

a key skill

Highlights the importance and essential nature of the skill.

a required skill

Indicates that the skill is necessary or mandatory for a certain task or job.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific skill" to highlight a particular ability or expertise. For example, "The job requires "a specific skill" in data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "a specific skill"?

Alternatives include "a particular skill", "a distinct skill", or "a unique skill", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "specific skill" or "particular skill"?

Both "specific skill" and "particular skill" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, though "specific" implies a more precisely defined skill, while "particular" suggests one chosen from many.

What's the difference between "a general skill" and "a specific skill"?

"A general skill" refers to a broad, widely applicable ability, while "a specific skill" refers to a focused, specialized ability. For instance, communication is a general skill, while coding in Python is "a specific skill".