a vital skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vital skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of a particular ability or competency in various contexts, such as education, professional development, or personal growth. Example: "Effective communication is a vital skill for success in any career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yet it is such a vital skill.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a vital skill, as is using indirect quotation.

The Guardian - Books

Spatial perception is a vital skill for architects.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

This is a vital skill for animators who have to understand anatomy.

The Guardian - Tech

Stronger financial management is seen as a vital skill that needs strengthening across Whitehall.

The Guardian

It's a vital skill for the unavoidable reality of raising money.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Linear algebra is a method for solving a set of equations — a vital skill for scientists and engineers in training.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"This is a vital skills for all teachers who must give their students instruction without turning them into robots who cannot think for themselves".

The Guardian

It is hard to imagine a more vital skill to lifelong success than reading.

Johns Hopkins University

Approval rates for grant applications have dropped markedly in the past few years, making grant-writing mastery a more vital skill than ever.

Science Magazine

The ability to get along with, bring together, supervise and get results from a broad range of people is an absolutely vital skill.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vital skill" when you want to emphasize the indispensable nature of a particular ability for achieving a specific outcome or succeeding in a given field.

Common error

Avoid using "a vital skill" when the importance of the skill is already implied by the context. For example, instead of saying "Adaptability is a vital skill in a rapidly changing environment", simply state "Adaptability is key in a rapidly changing environment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vital skill" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "vital" modifies the noun "skill". It serves to highlight the importance or necessity of a specific ability. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

27%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a vital skill" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the importance of an ability. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts like news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the emphasis, and consider alternatives like "an essential skill" or "a crucial skill" for nuanced meaning. Be mindful of overuse and redundancy, and remember that clarity and conciseness are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential skill

Replaces "vital" with "essential", indicating necessity.

a crucial skill

Substitutes "vital" with "crucial", stressing critical importance.

a key skill

Replaces "vital" with "key", highlighting the central role of the skill.

an important skill

Substitutes "vital" with "important", denoting significance.

a necessary skill

Replaces "vital" with "necessary", implying requirement.

a fundamental skill

Substitutes "vital" with "fundamental", indicating a basic and essential element.

a critical ability

Changes "skill" to "ability", while keeping the emphasis on criticality.

a core competency

Replaces "skill" with "competency", shifting to a more formal tone.

a valuable asset

Shifts focus to the skill as a beneficial attribute.

a requisite capability

Emphasizes the mandatory nature of the skill with formal wording.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vital skill" to emphasize the importance of a specific ability. For example: "Effective communication is "a vital skill" in leadership roles."

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

You can use alternatives like "an essential skill", "a crucial skill", or "a key skill" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a vital skill" in formal writing?

Yes, "a vital skill" is appropriate for formal writing, as it clearly and effectively conveys the importance of a particular ability. However, consider using stronger synonyms like "a critical skill" or "a fundamental skill" for added emphasis.

Which is correct, "a vital skill" or "vital skills"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "A vital skill" refers to a single, indispensable ability, while "vital skills" refers to multiple essential abilities. For example: "Problem-solving and critical thinking are vital skills for success."