a useful skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular ability or talent that is beneficial or advantageous in various contexts. Example: "Learning to code is a useful skill in today's job market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Programming is also a useful skill (today people use often Python).

Huffington Post

Team roping is one of the seven events included in a rodeo competition, and, like many sports, it is based on a useful skill honed well past the point of usefulness.

The New Yorker

Hambly says: "Learning to improvise in a controlled setting can be a useful skill for crisis situations... My theatre tutor used to say that theatre is the rehearsal for life.

The Guardian

I think that's a useful skill set.

The Washington Post

A useful skill, and in a similar ballpark to Lucy's.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A useful skill, no matter what's lurking in the basement.

The New York Times - Books

Learn a useful skill that Americans really need, like law or plumbing or medicine or nursing.

The New York Times

A useful skill now that my chums are growing louder and crabbier.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the courtroom, she said, being able to read body language could be a useful skill.

The New York Times

The ability to switch between two subjects is a useful skill for many job applications.

The Guardian

A useful skill when it comes to ethical situations is perspective-taking.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the direct benefit of acquiring a skill, use "a useful skill" to highlight its practical value in achieving specific goals.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of the skill by claiming it's universally essential, instead focus on the specific situations where it proves most beneficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful skill" functions as a noun phrase, where 'useful' is an adjective modifying 'skill'. According to Ludwig, it correctly identifies and describes an ability that is beneficial or advantageous. The term acts as a descriptor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a useful skill" is a common and grammatically sound phrase employed to emphasize the advantage of possessing a specific ability. As indicated by Ludwig, it's a versatile expression found across diverse fields such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. Alternatives include "a valuable skill" or "a practical skill". To wield this phrase effectively, focus on specific benefits rather than exaggerating universal necessity. Mastering "a useful skill" and its contextual application can significantly enhance communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable skill

Replaces "useful" with "valuable", emphasizing the importance and worth of the skill.

a helpful skill

Substitutes "useful" with "helpful", highlighting the skill's ability to assist or aid.

a practical skill

Changes "useful" to "practical", focusing on the skill's applicability in real-world situations.

a beneficial skill

Replaces "useful" with "beneficial", stressing the positive outcomes and advantages of possessing the skill.

a handy skill

Substitutes "useful" with "handy", indicating the skill's convenience and readiness for use.

a worthwhile skill

Changes "useful" to "worthwhile", emphasizing that the skill is valuable and rewarding to develop.

an advantageous skill

Replaces "useful" with "advantageous", focusing on the skill providing an edge or benefit.

a necessary skill

Substitutes "useful" with "necessary", indicating the skill is essential or required.

a marketable skill

Changes "useful" to "marketable", highlighting the skill's value in the job market.

a relevant skill

Replaces "useful" with "relevant", emphasizing the skill's importance or connection to the matter at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful skill" to describe an ability that is beneficial in a particular context. For example: "Knowing how to code is "a useful skill" in the tech industry."

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

You can use alternatives like "a valuable skill", "a helpful skill", or "a practical skill" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a very useful skill"?

While not strictly redundant, adding "very" might be unnecessary. The word "useful" already implies a degree of benefit, so consider whether the added emphasis is truly needed. In most cases, ""a useful skill"" is sufficient.

Which is better, "a useful skill to have" or "a skill that is useful"?

"A useful skill to have" is generally more concise and idiomatic. "A skill that is useful" is grammatically correct but can sound slightly more formal or verbose. Both are acceptable, but the former is often preferred for its brevity.