exceptional skill in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional skill in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's outstanding ability or expertise in a particular area or field. Example: "Her exceptional skill in graphic design has earned her numerous awards and recognition in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They all benefited from Mary's powerful intellect and her exceptional skill in the kitchen.

The Guardian

His exceptional skill in soccer led to an invitation to try out for the U.S. soccer team.

The New York Times

The Roman road network, aqueducts, public buildings, public baths, harbours, docks, and lighthouses demanded exceptional skill in organizing materials and workmen, implying in turn a rational division of labour among craftsmen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These talented analysts have shown exceptional skill in advising investors on when to buy, sell or hold, as well as for accurately forecasting earnings.

Forbes

The Template Upholder's Barnstar: For consistent and exceptional skill in creating or maintaining templates - that help maintain efficiency and consistency throughout wikiHow.

WikiHow

The da Vinci Barnstar: For exceptional skill in maintaining the smooth function of wikiHow - such as in being an administrator, template or tool designer, computer programmer or technician.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

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

WikiHow

He was noticed for his abilities and demonstrated exceptional skills in handling a number of emergencies, earning a transfer to EPNER, France's test pilot school near Istres, north-west of Marseille.

Independent

In addition to Newcastle university's exceptional skills in science and medicine, and Northumbria's expertise in dialect studies and other disciplines, Sunderland is now challenging the world with some highly practical philosophy.

The Guardian

For instance, if you know that negotiation skills are an increasingly important part of your job, perhaps your manager could arrange for you to shadow someone with exceptional skills in this area, or even coach you themselves through your next negotiation skills project.

The Guardian

After all, he argues, did not Mozart become Mozart by dint of hard work?This may seem to be easily refuted by popular legends about geniuses such as Mozart, Paganini and Gauss, which report that they all showed exceptional skills in early childhood before receiving a shred of formal instruction.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When praising someone's abilities, follow "exceptional skill in" with a specific area or domain to highlight the particular strength.

Common error

Avoid pairing "exceptional skill in" with broad or ill-defined areas. Instead of saying "exceptional skill in management", specify "exceptional skill in crisis management" or "exceptional skill in team leadership" to make your praise more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional skill in" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a high degree of competence or proficiency. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science & Research

8%

The Guardian - Opinion

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptional skill in" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for highlighting someone's outstanding abilities. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, especially news, wikis and scientific domains. While not overly frequent, its impact is significant when used to emphasize specific expertise. For clearer communication, avoid vague adjectives and always pair "exceptional skill in" with a defined area. Consider alternative phrases like "remarkable proficiency in" or "outstanding expertise in" for variety. By following these guidelines, you can effectively praise someone's skills and convey your admiration with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable proficiency in

Emphasizes the advanced level of competence.

outstanding expertise in

Highlights specialized knowledge and mastery.

notable aptitude for

Suggests a natural talent or inherent ability.

considerable talent in

Focuses on innate ability and potential.

distinguished ability in

Implies recognized excellence and accomplishment.

demonstrated competence in

Highlights proven proficiency through past performance.

mastery of

Conveys a comprehensive and thorough command.

adeptness at

Emphasizes quickness and skill in performance.

great facility with

Suggests ease and fluency in handling something.

specialized knowledge of

Highlights a deep and specific understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "exceptional skill in" to highlight someone's outstanding ability or expertise in a specific area. For example, "She demonstrated "exceptional skill in negotiation" during the contract talks".

What are some alternatives to "exceptional skill in"?

You can use alternatives such as "remarkable proficiency in", "outstanding expertise in", or "considerable talent in" to express a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "exceptional skill in a particular skill"?

Yes, it's generally redundant. Avoid phrases like "exceptional skill in coding skill". Instead, focus on the specific area of expertise, such as "exceptional skill in Python coding".

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

"Exceptional skill in" emphasizes the area of expertise, while "exceptional at" focuses more on the action or activity. For instance, "exceptional skill in project management" highlights the knowledge base, whereas "exceptional at managing projects" emphasizes the ability to perform the task effectively.