a specific skill set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific skill set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular collection of abilities or competencies that are relevant to a job or task. Example: "To succeed in this role, you will need to demonstrate a specific skill set that includes project management and effective communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Conte retained a diverse set of defenders at Juventus, each with a specific skill set, and as such could yet have a role for John Terry – in theory, at least.

The Guardian - Sport

Entrenched systems of exclusion need to be challenged, of course, but this appointment showed how utterly irrelevant a quota can seem when someone who needs a specific skill set goes looking for it.

The Guardian - Opinion

People who've spent a long time developing a specific skill set have more limited options when they go out looking for something new, and indeed, 53percentt of re-employed respondents said they changed occupations.

The Washington Post

At MIT, we also have access to highly talented and skilled human capital, which for tough tech startups, can be substantial: It's not three people in a garage; it can be 30 people, each with a specific skill set.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ammann also comes with a specific skill set.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

She'll be demonstrating the power of the network to match skilled volunteers with community-based organizations in need of a specific skill-set.

HuffPost

Investors continue to speak up around boardroom recruitment, says PwC. Due to investor pressure, 61% of directors said their board added a director with a specific skill-set, 46% said they added a diverse board member, and 34% said they added a younger board member.

Forbes

While this is related to self-sufficiency, it's a little different in that you'll learn a specific skill-set that will deepen your travel experience and make the process more efficient.

Huffington Post

Managing a startup business and making it a success requires a very specific skill set.

Science Magazine

If you're applying for a postdoc, you are selling a publication history (thus a "guarantee" of future publications), and a very specific skill set that you can bring to that lab.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing job requirements, use "a specific skill set" to clearly define the necessary qualifications for potential candidates.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific skill set" when referring to general qualities like teamwork or communication. These are broad competencies, not necessarily a "specific skill set".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific skill set" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig shows it describes a particular collection of abilities needed for a particular role or project.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific skill set" is a versatile phrase used to denote a particular collection of abilities or competencies. As shown by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. It is particularly useful when describing job requirements or project needs. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, avoiding overgeneralization is important. For example, refrain from using it to describe general qualities. Alternatives like "a particular skill set" or "a defined skill set" can be used for slight variations in emphasis. Ludwig's analysis affirms its consistent usage and clear meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular skill set

Replaces "specific" with "particular", offering a slightly less emphatic alternative.

a defined skill set

Substitutes "specific" with "defined", highlighting the clarity and boundaries of the skill set.

a specialized skill set

Replaces "specific" with "specialized", emphasizing the expertise involved.

a distinct skill set

Substitutes "specific" with "distinct", emphasizing the uniqueness of the skill set.

a targeted skill set

Replaces "specific" with "targeted", suggesting the skill set is designed for a particular purpose.

a unique set of skills

Rephrases the entire phrase to emphasize the individuality of the skills involved.

a precise skill set

Substitutes "specific" with "precise", emphasizing accuracy and exactness.

a dedicated skill set

Replaces "specific" with "dedicated", implying the skill set is focused and committed.

an individual's expertise

This alternative focuses on the knowledge and skills possessed by a person.

a body of expertise

Refers to a collection of knowledge, skills and abilities in a subject area.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific skill set" to describe the particular abilities needed for a job, task, or project. For example: "This role requires "a specific skill set" in data analysis and communication."

What is another way to say "a specific skill set"?

Alternatives to "a specific skill set" include "a particular skill set", "a defined skill set", or "a specialized skill set". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "skill set" or "skills"?

"Skill set" implies a collection of related skills, while "skills" is more general. If you're referring to a group of interconnected abilities, "skill set" is often more appropriate. If you're referring to individual abilities, use "skills".

What does "specific skill set" refer to?

A "specific skill set" refers to a particular group of abilities or competencies that are required for a particular purpose. These skills are not general, but tailored to a particular role or function. They're distinct from general competencies such as problem-solving abilities or leadership qualities.