basic skills

USAGE SUMMARY

'basic skills' is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in the sentence: "Having good basic skills is essential for any job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Being a comedian is two basic skills.

The New York Times

Some want only to learn basic skills.

The New York Times - Sports

The focus should be on basic skills.

The Guardian - Opinion

The interest has been basic skills.

The New York Times

She didn't have the most basic skills.

The Guardian - Opinion

We know how to teach basic skills.

The New York Times

Others need extensive tutoring in basic skills.

The New York Times

Review and expansion of basic skills.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Come learn some basic skills in Python!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The basic skills are more important today than ever before.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Basic Skills Development manager, Ministry of Defence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing education or training, specify the "basic skills" relevant to the subject. For example, "basic skills" in mathematics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Common error

Avoid using "basic skills" without context. Clearly define what "basic skills" encompass in your specific field or discussion to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic skills" functions as a noun phrase, where "basic" modifies "skills", specifying the type of skills being referred to. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to denote fundamental abilities or competencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic skills" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that refers to fundamental abilities or competencies. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears across a wide range of contexts, from education and professional development to everyday life. The analysis reveals its frequent usage in News & Media, Academia, and Science, reflecting its relevance in diverse domains. When using "basic skills", it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "essential skills" or "fundamental skills" can add nuance depending on the intended message. The examples provided by Ludwig underscore its importance and versatility in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Essential skills

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the skills.

Fundamental skills

Highlights the foundational nature of the skills.

Core skills

Focuses on the central and indispensable aspect of the skills.

Basic competencies

Replaces "skills" with "competencies", emphasizing capability.

Elementary skills

Suggests the skills are at a primary or initial level.

Rudimentary skills

Indicates a basic, undeveloped stage of skills.

Foundational abilities

Highlights the role of these skills as a base for further development.

Primary abilities

Focuses on the importance of these skills being the main or first ones.

Underlying skills

Implies these skills are the basis on which other skills are built.

Bare skills

Highlights the basic and minimal nature of the skills.

FAQs

How can I improve my "basic skills"?

To improve your "basic skills", identify specific areas for development, such as reading, writing, or mathematics, and engage in consistent practice. Resources like online courses and tutoring can provide targeted support.

What are examples of "basic skills" needed in the workplace?

Examples of "basic skills" needed in the workplace include effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These "essential skills" are crucial for successful collaboration and productivity.

What's the difference between "basic skills" and "advanced skills"?

"Basic skills" are the fundamental abilities needed as a foundation, while "advanced skills" build upon these basics and require specialized knowledge or expertise.

Which "basic skills" are important for children to learn?

Important "basic skills" for children include literacy (reading and writing), numeracy (basic math), and social skills. Mastering these skills prepares them for academic success and social interaction.