a strong suit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong suit" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means a particular skill or talent that someone possesses. It can be used in a variety of contexts, but is most often used in a positive or neutral way. Example: "Organization and attention to detail are not my strong suits, but I excel in problem-solving and critical thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The appetizers here are a strong suit.

The New Yorker

Defending is not a strong suit tonight.

The New York Times

Speed isn't a strong suit either.

The Guardian

Dessert is not a strong suit.

The New York Times - Arts

Also, the Chinese have a strong suit: recycling and frugality.

The New Yorker

A possible meaning is a strong suit with slam interest.

The New York Times - Arts

But that has never been a strong suit of Turner's.

The New York Times - Sports

Drawing is a strong suit for Mr. Guzmán too.

The New York Times - Arts

Introspection is not a strong suit either, at least not publicly.

The New York Times - Sports

That's probably why getting along with people is a strong suit.

The New York Times

Communication and follow-through — apparently not a strong suit for this company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's skillset, use "a strong suit" to positively highlight a key area of competence. For example, "Project management is definitely one of her strong suits."

Common error

Avoid using "a strong suit" to describe general attributes like "being nice." It's best suited for describing specific skills or areas of expertise.

Linguistic Context

A strong suit functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific skill, talent, or area of expertise where someone excels. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a strong suit" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an area of particular skill or competence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's prevalent in news and media, as well as in formal business settings. While it isn't commonly found in academic or scientific writing, its versatility makes it suitable for many situations. When using the phrase, ensure you are describing a specific skill rather than a general attribute. Alternatives include "an area of expertise" or simply "a strength". Overall, "a strong suit" is a reliable and effective way to highlight capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strength

This is a more general term for something at which someone excels.

a special skill

Focuses on a particular skill that is above average.

an area of expertise

This alternative highlights specific knowledge or skill in a particular field.

a forte

This term emphasizes a particular strength or talent that someone possesses.

a talent

This highlights a natural aptitude or skill.

an asset

This emphasizes the value or usefulness of a particular quality or skill.

an advantage

This alternative suggests a factor that gives someone a superior position or greater chance of success.

a proficiency

Suggests competence and skill in a particular area.

a specialty

Implies a specific skill or area of focus.

a knack

Highlights a natural skill or ability to do something easily.

FAQs

How can I use "a strong suit" in a sentence?

You can use "a strong suit" to describe someone's area of expertise or talent. For example, "Public speaking is definitely her strong suit."

What can I say instead of "a strong suit"?

You can use alternatives like "an area of expertise", "a forte", or simply "a strength", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that's not a strong suit of mine"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to say "that's not a strong suit of mine" to indicate an area where you are not particularly skilled or competent.

What's the difference between "a strong suit" and "a specialty"?

While both indicate areas of skill, "a strong suit" refers to a general strength or talent, while "a specialty" implies a specific and focused area of expertise.