difficult skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a skill that requires significant effort, practice, or expertise to master. Example: "Learning to play the violin is a difficult skill that takes years of dedication and practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a difficult skill.

The New York Times - Books

Not every couple can make teamwork of this difficult skill.

The Guardian

Writing is a difficult skill to master for any student.

University of California, Berkeley

Mostly, though, he believes in explaining a difficult skill in ways hitters can comprehend.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a difficult skill and one which takes time to master.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You have to learn how to play to 30 people - that's a really difficult skill.

The Guardian

But it remains a difficult skill to master, both conceptually and practically.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I majored in English, a notoriously difficult skill set to commercialize.

MIT Technology Review

What is the most difficult skill that an entrepreneur in a growing company must learn?

The Times

Administration of vasopressors in patients with septic shock can be a difficult skill for nurses to learn.

Clinical Simulation in Nursing

Both Massachusetts townball and cricket required the more difficult skill of catching the ball on the fly.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "difficult skill", be specific about what makes it challenging. This adds clarity and helps the reader understand the context better.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a skill is "difficult". Instead, elaborate on the specific aspects of the skill that pose challenges, such as the technical complexity, the need for precision, or the extensive practice required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult skill" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "skill". It describes a specific attribute of the skill, indicating the level of effort or expertise required to master it. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult skill" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a skill that requires significant effort, practice, or expertise to master. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, from News & Media to Academia, denoting its versatility. When employing this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the aspects that make the skill particularly challenging to enhance clarity. Alternative phrases like "challenging skill" or "complex skill" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Understanding its usage patterns and common pitfalls can help writers employ "difficult skill" effectively and avoid overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging skill

Emphasizes the stimulating and demanding nature of the skill.

complex skill

Highlights the intricate and multi-faceted nature of the skill.

demanding skill

Focuses on the high level of effort and resources required.

tough skill

Suggests the skill is resilient and requires strength to overcome.

arduous skill

Implies a long and strenuous effort to acquire.

intricate skill

Similar to 'complex skill' but with more focus on detail.

laborious skill

Highlights the effortful and time-consuming nature of acquiring the skill.

taxing skill

Focuses on the mental or physical burden imposed by the skill.

skill requiring dedication

Shifts the emphasis to the necessary commitment.

skill needing expertise

Focuses on the level of specialized knowledge needed.

FAQs

How can I effectively describe a "difficult skill"?

Provide specific details about the skill's complexity, the required expertise, and the potential challenges one might face while learning it. Consider using examples to illustrate the difficulties.

What are some alternative phrases for "difficult skill"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging skill", "complex skill", or "demanding skill" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say a skill is both "hard" and "difficult"?

While not strictly redundant, using both "hard" and "difficult" can be repetitive. Choose the word that best fits the context or consider using a more descriptive adjective to add depth.

What makes a skill "difficult" versus simply "requiring practice"?

A "difficult skill" involves a high degree of complexity, precision, or specialized knowledge, often requiring significant effort to master. A skill that "requires practice" may be relatively straightforward but needs repetition to improve proficiency.