exceptional skill at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional skill at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's outstanding ability or proficiency in a particular area or activity. Example: "Her exceptional skill at playing the piano has earned her numerous awards and recognition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He also developed exceptional skill at not calling the play that would usually be anticipated in a specific situation….

The New Yorker

But people in the audience were reminded of the designer's exceptional skill at creating great fashion moments by this presentation, all in black, of showgirl clothes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Why then do so few young players get the chance to show their exceptional skills at the highest level?

The Guardian - Sport

So no matter where you practice, you have the same exceptional skills as your peers.

Independent

If one added up the time that apprentices ended up working directly on materials in those years, it would amount to more than 10,000 hours, enough to establish exceptional skill level at a craft.

HuffPost

Bernard Dite, a wood turner of exceptional skill, can be found at the Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay, the first weekend of every other month.

The Guardian

Thomas Lorio, LCSW was noted for his exceptional skill and compassion in working with employees at the Employee Assistance Program EAPP), and for helping to successfully resolve several extremely traumatic situations.

Cornell University

Any designer can look at an art book, but it is an exceptional skill to absorb it into your own aesthetic.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"These are performers of exceptional skill, matchless ability.

The New York Times - Arts

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

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptional skill at" to emphasize a person's superior ability in a specific activity. Frame it with context that highlights accomplishments and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptional" too frequently in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "remarkable", "outstanding", or "considerable" to describe skill levels.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional skill at" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun 'skill', followed by the preposition 'at'. It serves to emphasize the high degree of proficiency in a particular activity or area.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceptional skill at" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for emphasizing a high degree of proficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's effective in highlighting superior competence. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its acceptability in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "remarkable aptitude for" or "outstanding proficiency in" to avoid repetition. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide context to showcase the impact of the skill being described. The phrase is most frequent in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable aptitude for

Emphasizes a natural inclination or talent.

outstanding proficiency in

Highlights a high level of competence and expertise.

considerable expertise with

Focuses on practical knowledge and experience.

mastery of

Suggests complete control and understanding.

adeptness in

Implies quickness and ease in performing a task.

talent for

Indicates a natural, inherent ability.

giftedness in

Suggests an exceptional, innate talent.

expertise in

Focuses on specialized knowledge and skill.

aptitude in

Emphasizes a natural ability to learn or do something.

remarkable competence in

Highlights a high level of ability and effectiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceptional skill at" to describe someone's superior ability in a particular area. For example, "She demonstrated "exceptional skill at" negotiation, securing the best possible deal for the company".

What are some alternatives to "exceptional skill at"?

Alternatives include "remarkable aptitude for", "outstanding proficiency in", or "considerable expertise with". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "exceptional skill at" when "skill" already implies a high level of ability?

While "skill" does imply a degree of competence, "exceptional skill at" emphasizes that the ability is far above average. It's useful when you want to highlight a particularly impressive talent.

What's the difference between "exceptional skill at" and "expertise in"?

"Exceptional skill at" generally refers to a specific activity or task, while "expertise in" suggests a broader, more comprehensive knowledge and ability within a field.