crucial skill

USAGE SUMMARY

"crucial skill" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used whenever you want to describe a skill that is very important or essential for a particular task or situation. For example: - "Time management is a crucial skill for success in college." - "Effective communication is a crucial skill for being a good leader." - "Having attention to detail is a crucial skill for a career in accounting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

And later, it's a crucial skill for employability.

The Guardian

They were expert at redirecting potential troublemakers, a crucial skill for middle school teachers.

The New York Times

This is a crucial skill not just for scientists, but for any citizen in a democracy.

The New York Times

Mischel's conclusion, based on hundreds of hours of observation, was that the crucial skill was the "strategic allocation of attention".

The New Yorker

He became a tank commander - a crucial skill at a time when tanks were a new and essential weapon.

The New York Times - Magazine

I've looked at the gamut – gifted children, kids with learning difficulties, ADHD – and the pattern is the same, that working memory is a really crucial skill to education.

The Guardian

On the other hand, he is a master at divining what will go viral – a crucial skill in the age of TV recording devices and social media.

The Guardian

So time management is a crucial skill that new postgrad students need to hone if they are to excel in their course.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Instead, they support the development of crucial skills: reflection, collaboration, linking ideas and writing clearly.

The Guardian

But in practice, Brackett says, many children never develop those crucial skills.

The New York Times - Magazine

Rather, establishing context and dealing with unfamiliar subject matter are crucial skills, both in school and in life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of a specific skill in a particular field or context, use "crucial skill" to clearly convey its significance. For example: "Effective communication is a "crucial skill" for project managers."

Common error

While "crucial skill" is a strong phrase, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "essential skill", "vital skill", or "key skill" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crucial skill" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "crucial" modifies the noun "skill", emphasizing its importance. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crucial skill" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that emphasizes the importance of a particular ability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal to informal. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While highly effective, it's advisable to use synonyms to avoid redundancy. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, underscoring its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical skill

Very close synonym, interchangeable in most contexts.

essential skill

Indicates the skill is absolutely necessary or indispensable.

vital skill

Highlights the skill's importance for survival or success.

key skill

Suggests the skill is a fundamental and significant component.

indispensable skill

Emphasizes that the skill cannot be done without.

important skill

A general term indicating the skill holds significance.

fundamental skill

Focuses on the foundational aspect of the skill.

necessary skill

Highlights the requirement of the skill for a specific purpose.

significant skill

Suggests the skill has a notable impact or effect.

valuable skill

Indicates the skill is beneficial and advantageous.

FAQs

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

"Crucial skill" is used to emphasize the importance of a specific ability. For example: "Adaptability is a "crucial skill" in today's rapidly changing job market."

What are some alternatives to "crucial skill"?

You can use alternatives like "essential skill", "vital skill", or "key skill" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "crucial skill" formal or informal?

"Crucial skill" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various types of writing and communication.

What makes a skill "crucial"?

A skill is considered "crucial" when it is essential for success, survival, or effective performance in a particular situation or field. It signifies that without this skill, achieving the desired outcome would be significantly more difficult or impossible.