a true skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the authenticity or genuineness of a particular skill, often in discussions about expertise or talent. Example: "Playing the piano is not just a hobby for her; it's a true skill that she has honed over many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This task requires a true skill which we show to be unaffected by physical attractiveness.

Harvard University

The created model predicted future urban expansion moderately well and had an area under the curve value of 0.855 and a true skill statistic result of 0.568.

Land Use Policy

Like a true skill that needs to be mastered and perfected and if we don't get it right, we think our kids suffer for it -- and that's hard sh*t to keep up with.

Huffington Post

To be a true skill, it has to be both effective and easy for people.

WikiHow

Translating is a true skill – a good translator makes tiny modifications to the text they're working with to make it as good as it can be, taking into consideration audience, culture, and context.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Boing Boing Gadgets and Wired News writer Joel Johnson described the game as "more than just a knock-off — it's an act of true skill and commitment by an unknown team of Chinese coders".

Wikipedia

Today, we find out if that is a function of weak opponents, or a testament to true skill.

The New York Times

But as the company collects more and more data, it may be able to start automatically ferreting out what a person's true skill level is and where to get them an interview.

TechCrunch

Arpad Elo thought of a player's true skill as the average of that player's performance random variable, and showed how to estimate the average from results of player's games.

Wikipedia

The true skill of a surgeon is demonstrated by what he or she does between making and closing the incision.

Harvard University

Indeed, the cinema has not been a friend to Verne's true skill; it flattens his achievement, seeing him capable only of widescreen effects.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a true skill" to emphasize that a particular ability requires significant training, dedication, or natural talent. For instance, "Effective communication is a true skill in leadership."

Common error

Avoid using "a true skill" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "genuine ability" or "authentic expertise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true skill" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "true" modifies the noun "skill". It's used to emphasize the authenticity and high level of expertise associated with the skill. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a true skill" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe an ability that requires significant expertise and effort. As Ludwig AI points out, it serves to emphasize the authenticity and refined nature of the skill. While applicable across various registers, it's most frequently observed in news media and wiki contexts. To avoid redundancy, consider using alternative phrases like "genuine ability" or "authentic expertise". Be mindful to emphasize the specific ability needing significant training or natural talent when utilizing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine ability

Replaces "skill" with "ability" and "true" with "genuine", emphasizing inherent capability.

a real talent

Substitutes "skill" with "talent", highlighting natural aptitude.

a demonstrable skill

Emphasizes that the skill can be shown or proven.

a proven capability

Highlights that the capability has been tested and validated.

an authentic expertise

Replaces "skill" with "expertise", suggesting a higher level of proficiency.

a masterful technique

Focuses on the refined and expert nature of the technique.

a profound competence

Emphasizes the depth and extent of the competence.

a legitimate knack

Uses "knack" to imply a natural and effortless skill.

a substantial aptitude

Highlights the significant potential or ability.

a considerable mastery

Implies a high level of control and expertise.

FAQs

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

You can use "a true skill" to emphasize the genuineness of an ability. For example, "Problem-solving is "a true skill" that is essential for success in any field".

What are some alternatives to "a true skill"?

You can use alternatives such as "a genuine ability", "a real talent", or "an authentic expertise" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "true skill" or "a true skill"?

The use of "a" depends on the context. "A true skill" is used when referring to a specific skill, while "true skill" (without the article) can be used in a more general sense.

How does "a true skill" differ from "a basic skill"?

"A true skill" implies a high level of proficiency and expertise, while "a basic skill" refers to a fundamental ability that is relatively easy to acquire.