big skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big skills" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used informally to refer to significant or impressive abilities, but it is better to use more precise language. Example: "She has big skills in graphic design, making her a valuable asset to the team."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We have low unemployment, but we have a big skills gap problem; for us that circles right back to education.

The Washington Post

Deputy chief constable David Thompson says the partnership resulted in a "big skills transfer" and allowed the force to create better services in the face of financial challenges.

The Guardian

"The recession has caused a big skills exodus, but it happens in construction, it's a cycle – things suddenly fall off a cliff.

The Guardian

"Gymnastics is one of those sports you simply have to start when you're very young because you can't do the big skills unless the basics are perfect.

The Guardian - Sport

"If Britain voted for Brexit, there would still be a big skills gap, especially in areas which require science, maths or engineering degrees, where we just don't have enough UK graduates," he said.

The Guardian

"We are quite often not worth the money... but there is a big skills gap for really good IT directors and that pushes up salaries," says Jos Creese, president of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Even with the 450,000 engineers produced in India each year, big skill shortages are forecast by 2010.

The Guardian - Business

That's the big skill, even more than being able to compose some film and being able to expose it properly.

Vice

I think Roger's big skill was that he was a very good writer, but he wrote in a language that wasn't above anybody's head.

Huffington Post

There's room for that, but it's really really hard work". The duo is a formidable force with a big skill-set that they bring to the table.

HuffPost

This is the next big skill for kissers to learn.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, consider the context and choose a synonym for "big skills" that aligns with the level of formality required. For instance, in a professional setting, "substantial skills" or "extensive expertise" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "big skills" in formal or academic writing, as it may sound too informal. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "significant abilities" or "advanced competencies" to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big skills" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate a high degree or significant level of competence. Ludwig's examples show it often refers to notable expertise. While understandable, Ludwig AI highlights a preference for more precise language.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "big skills" is frequently used and generally understood, it's essential to consider context and formality when choosing this phrase. Ludwig identifies that the phrase "big skills" is "Acceptable" and "Common". As Ludwig AI reports, it can sometimes sound awkward or unclear, especially in formal writing where more precise language may be preferred, such as "substantial skills" or "extensive expertise". The phrase commonly appears in news and media but its use varies depending on the tone of each article. When selecting alternative phrases, prioritize clarity and appropriateness for the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant abilities

Uses a more formal synonym for "skills", maintaining a similar meaning.

strong capabilities

Highlights the power and effectiveness of the skills.

substantial skills

Replaces "big" with a more formal adjective, emphasizing the considerable extent of the skills.

extensive expertise

Shifts from "skills" to "expertise", suggesting a deeper level of knowledge and competence.

remarkable capabilities

Emphasizes the impressiveness of the skills, suggesting a high level of performance.

exceptional aptitude

Emphasizes the unique and outstanding nature of the skills.

considerable talent

Focuses on innate ability rather than acquired skills, highlighting a natural aptitude.

advanced competencies

Highlights formal and developed skills, often used in professional contexts.

masterful proficiency

Implies a high degree of skill and control, suggesting expertise in a specific area.

profound knowledge

Focuses on the depth of understanding and information possessed.

FAQs

How can I use "big skills" in a sentence?

You can use "big skills" to describe someone's impressive abilities in a particular area. For example, "She has "big skills" in project management, enabling her to lead complex projects effectively."

What are some alternatives to using "big skills"?

Instead of "big skills", you can use phrases like "substantial skills", "extensive expertise", or "significant abilities" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "big skills" or should I use another phrase?

While "big skills" is understandable, it's less formal. In professional or academic settings, consider using more precise alternatives such as "advanced competencies" or "remarkable capabilities".

What's the difference between "big skills" and "strong skills"?

"Big skills" emphasizes the magnitude or extent of the abilities, whereas "strong skills" highlights their power and effectiveness. "Strong skills" suggests a high level of proficiency and reliability.