core competence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "core competence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific area of expertise or skill that is essential to a business, organization, or individual. For example, you might say "Our company's core competence lies in software development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"R.&D. is their core competence".

The New York Times - Tech

The reply: make the new technology a core competence, fast.

The Economist

We have previous examples to learn from, and our core competence is learning from the past.

The Guardian

Under Welch, G.E.'s real "core competence" has been financial engineering.

The New Yorker

"The future is Web-based computing, and that is not where Microsoft's core competence is".

The New York Times

In the end it's about taxpayers money and this is the core competence of any parliament".

The Guardian - Business

None of the nominees have been tainted by scandal or had their core competence questioned.

The New York Times

Sinaloa, by contrast, has mostly tended to stick to its core competence of trafficking.

The New York Times - Magazine

This goes to the core competence and political acumen of the White House.

The New York Times

These firms' core competence, such as it is, is exploiting their cosy connections with governing elites.

The Economist

Federalists deplore the proposed overriding of a core competence of states.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing business strategy, clearly define the "core competence" and how it differentiates the company from competitors.

Common error

Avoid using "core competence" interchangeably with "core business". "Core competence" refers to the unique skills that provide a competitive edge, while "core business" is the primary activity or industry sector a company operates in.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core competence" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object to identify a primary area of strength. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis shows that "core competence" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase for denoting a primary area of expertise or strength. Ludwig AI verifies its broad usage in various professional contexts, particularly within news, science, and business sectors. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate it from related terms like "core business" and to define its strategic importance for the entity in question. Remember that "key strength", "primary expertise", or "fundamental capability" can serve as close alternatives if the specific meaning needs subtle adjustments. It is most prevalent in news and media, with science and formal business contexts also showing significant usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary expertise

Emphasizes the specialized knowledge and skill in a particular area.

distinctive capability

Highlights the uniqueness of the company's capabilities relative to its competitors.

key strength

Focuses on the aspect of strength or advantage rather than a defined competence.

major proficiency

Emphasizes a high degree of skill and expertise.

fundamental capability

Highlights the foundational nature of the ability.

critical ability

Underscores the importance and necessity of the skill.

essential skill set

Replaces competence with a broader collection of skills.

central talent

Highlights the natural aptitude and skill in a specific area.

specialized knowledge

Concentrates on the knowledge aspect rather than the application of skill.

strategic advantage

Focuses on how the competence creates a competitive benefit.

FAQs

How to use "core competence" in a sentence?

You can use "core competence" to describe a company's or individual's main strength or expertise. For example, "Our company's "core competence" is in software development" or "Effective communication is a "core competence" for project managers".

What are some synonyms for "core competence"?

Alternatives include "primary expertise", "key strength", "fundamental capability", or "distinctive capability". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "core competence" and "core competency"?

While both terms are often used interchangeably, "competence" generally refers to a specific skill or ability, while "competency" can also refer to a broader set of behaviors or characteristics. However, in most business contexts, the difference is negligible.

Is it correct to say "core competencies" instead of "core competence"?

Yes, "core competencies" is the plural form and is used when referring to multiple essential skills or areas of expertise. For instance, "Our company's "core competencies" include data analysis and project management".