cognitive skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cognitive skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to mental abilities that involve the processes of thinking, learning, and understanding. Example: "Developing cognitive skills is essential for children's academic success and overall development."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the challenge he faces requires more than cognitive skill.

The New York Times

She continues, "Each ant's behavior and the rules under which it operates generate a pattern for the colony, so it's crucial to discover its individual cognitive skill".

The New York Times - Science

Our research challenges the assumption that "bright" children from poor homes rapidly fall behind richer but less able contemporaries in terms of their cognitive skill.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cognitive skill exhibited a significant negative effect.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Spatial thinking should be considered a foundational cognitive skill.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Being able to interpret, or "mirror," another mind appears to be quite a sophisticated cognitive skill.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Our cognitive skill measures in PIAAC comprised two key adult competencies: literacy and numeracy.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

This competence is called spatial skill, a cognitive skill which can be improved with proper training.

Procedia Computer Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Recommendations are provided for interventions which are useful in promoting cognitive, skill-based, and affective learning gains.

Human Resource Management Review

College students continue to flee the cognitive skill-building humanities for pre-professional degrees in business, accounting and a plethora of health and IT majors.

TechCrunch

Occupational, social, and cognitive skill-oriented therapies are all effective ways to treat social and cognitive issues.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing specific cognitive abilities, such as memory or attention, use "cognitive skill" to introduce the general area, then specify the individual skill.

Common error

Avoid using "cognitive skill" vaguely. Be specific about which skills (e.g. critical thinking, spatial reasoning) are relevant to your discussion for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cognitive skill" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "cognitive" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "skill". It refers to a specific type of ability related to mental processes. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cognitive skill" is a grammatically correct and widely used term referring to mental abilities related to thinking, learning, and problem-solving. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts. While versatile, be mindful to specify the skill when possible (e.g. "critical thinking"). Alternatives such as "mental ability" or "intellectual capacity" can be considered for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental ability

Focuses on the general capacity of the mind instead of a specific trained proficiency.

intellectual capacity

Emphasizes the potential for learning and understanding.

thinking skill

Highlights the process of thought, a component of cognitive skill.

reasoning ability

Refers specifically to the capacity for logical thought.

problem-solving skill

Indicates a specific application of cognitive abilities.

cognitive capacity

Broader term referring to one's overall potential in cognitive function.

intellectual skill

Highlights the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge.

cognitive function

More scientific and technical term than "cognitive skill".

mental agility

Implies quickness and flexibility in cognitive processing.

brainpower

Informal term referring to intellectual ability.

FAQs

How can I improve my cognitive skills?

Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles, learning a new language, or playing strategy games. Consistent mental exercise can enhance various cognitive functions.

What are examples of cognitive skills?

Examples include memory, attention, problem-solving, language comprehension, and critical thinking. These skills enable us to process information, learn, and interact effectively with the world.

What's the difference between "cognitive ability" and "cognitive skill"?

"Cognitive ability" refers to a natural or innate talent, whereas "cognitive skill" implies a developed proficiency through learning and practice. You are born with abilities but you develop skills over time.

What can I say instead of "cognitive skill"?

Consider using alternatives such as "mental ability", "intellectual capacity", or "thinking skill" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.