exceptional skill

USAGE SUMMARY

'exceptional skill' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone has a skill that is above average or beyond what is expected. Example: She has an exceptional skill for playing the violin, filling the theater with beautiful music.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"These are performers of exceptional skill, matchless ability.

The New York Times - Arts

He's got exceptional skill levels and has fantastic vision.

Independent

Tribe alerted Northamptonshire to the youngster's exceptional skill.

The Guardian - Sport

Assange, a cryptographer of exceptional skill, told me that unlocking the file was "moderately difficult".

The New Yorker

"You need exceptional intelligence, exceptional skill, you need heart and physicality," he added.

The New York Times

Multiple use calls for exceptional skill on the part of forest managers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

An exception to that might be citing exceptional skills in dealing with customers.

WikiHow

"I want guys that have exceptional skills".

The New York Times - Sports

Some lawyering requires exceptional skills and deserves high pay.

The Economist

Ms. Katrantzou has an extraordinary imagination — and exceptional skills.

The New York Times

He lacks British relatives or exceptional skills, other avenues to naturalization.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "exceptional skill", be specific about the area of expertise to provide context and impact. For example, instead of saying 'She has exceptional skill,' specify 'She has exceptional skill in negotiation.'

Common error

Avoid pairing "exceptional skill" with generic descriptors like 'good' or 'great'. Instead, use specific and measurable terms to highlight the skill's impact and distinguish it from ordinary abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional skill" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "exceptional" modifies the noun "skill". Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English, emphasizing its role in describing abilities that surpass ordinary expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptional skill" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a level of proficiency that goes beyond the ordinary. According to Ludwig, it effectively conveys superior ability or expertise. While versatile, it's crucial to use it with specific descriptors to highlight the impact of the skill. Ludwig's analysis of various sources reveals its prominence in news, encyclopedias, and wikis, indicating its broad applicability across different domains. Understanding its nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication, avoiding the trap of using vague language. You can use alternatives like "remarkable talent", "extraordinary expertise", or "outstanding proficiency", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable talent

Focuses more on innate ability than acquired proficiency.

extraordinary expertise

Highlights a deep and specialized knowledge.

outstanding proficiency

Emphasizes a high level of competence achieved through practice.

matchless ability

Suggests an unparalleled level of skill, with no equals.

superior aptitude

Indicates a natural inclination and talent for something.

consummate mastery

Implies complete control and understanding of a subject or craft.

uncommon deftness

Stresses agility and nimbleness in performing a task.

unrivaled prowess

Highlights exceptional courage, strength, and skill, often in a specific field.

first-rate competence

Emphasizes a high standard of performance and capability.

world-class caliber

Indicates a level of skill that is recognized globally as being among the best.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceptional skill" to describe someone's talent or ability in a particular area. For example, "The surgeon demonstrated "exceptional skill" during the complex operation".

What are some synonyms for "exceptional skill"?

Alternatives to "exceptional skill" include "remarkable talent", "extraordinary expertise", or "outstanding proficiency", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "exceptional skill and talent"?

While both words relate to ability, "skill" implies learned proficiency, whereas "talent" suggests innate ability. Using both can emphasize both aspects, but be mindful of potential redundancy. It depends on what you wish to emphasize.

What's the difference between "exceptional skill" and "competence"?

"Exceptional skill" suggests a level of proficiency far above average, while "competence" implies a satisfactory or adequate level of ability. Therefore, the former suggests a more distinguished quality.