extraordinary skill

USAGE SUMMARY

'extraordinary skill' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe someone who has a talent or an ability that is much higher than average. For example, "She showed extraordinary skill with the violin, playing flawlessly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He would have expressed that with his extraordinary skill".

The New York Times

Lou is a man of extraordinary skill, intelligence, and judgment.

The New Yorker

Duveen showed extraordinary skill in exploiting this taste.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Coming back from this will take extraordinary skill and grit.

Independent

And yet they are capable of extraordinary skill and dexterity.

The Guardian - Music

Many people hate him, but you have to admit that he has extraordinary skill.

Independent

They peel it all in one go and it's done with such extraordinary skill.

Independent

They believe Pujols will continue to produce at an extraordinary level, because of his extraordinary skill.

The New York Times - Sports

In the past, making the parts required extraordinary skill in hand-machining.

The New Yorker

Another of his choreographic virtues is an extraordinary skill with groups.

The New Yorker

Was this ambidextrous upbringing one of the secrets of his extraordinary skill?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability, use "extraordinary skill" to convey a high level of competence and expertise that goes beyond ordinary talent. For instance, "Her extraordinary skill in negotiation led to a successful deal."

Common error

Avoid using "extraordinary skill" to describe everyday abilities or tasks. Reserve it for situations where the skill truly stands out and demonstrates exceptional competence. Saying someone has "extraordinary skill" in making coffee, for example, would be an exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraordinary skill" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "extraordinary" modifies the noun "skill". It acts as a descriptor, attributing a high level of ability or competence to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

14%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extraordinary skill" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe exceptional talent or ability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is appropriate for a range of contexts, from news and media to academic and professional settings. While alternatives like "exceptional talent" or "remarkable ability" exist, "extraordinary skill" effectively conveys a sense of high competence and expertise. Remember to reserve it for abilities that truly stand out to avoid exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional talent

Emphasizes innate aptitude and natural ability, rather than learned expertise.

remarkable ability

Highlights the unusual and noteworthy nature of the skill.

uncommon proficiency

Stresses the high level of competence and mastery.

outstanding expertise

Focuses on specialized knowledge and mastery in a particular field.

masterful technique

Refers to the refined and highly skilled execution of a specific method or approach.

supreme competence

Underscores the highest degree of capability and effectiveness.

consummate artistry

Implies a refined and highly developed artistic ability.

deftness

Implies quickness and skill in physical movement.

ingenious craftsmanship

Focuses on inventive skill in creating or making something.

virtuoso performance

Highlights exceptional technical skill and artistry in a performance context.

FAQs

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

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

What are some alternatives to "extraordinary skill"?

Some alternatives include "exceptional talent", "remarkable ability", or "outstanding expertise", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "extraordinary skill" in formal writing?

Yes, "extraordinary skill" is suitable for formal writing, especially when highlighting someone's exceptional capabilities in professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "extraordinary skill" and "considerable skill"?

"Extraordinary skill" implies a level of ability that is significantly above average and truly exceptional, while "considerable skill" suggests a high level of competence but not necessarily exceptional. The phrase "considerable skill" indicates that they are very skilled but not exceptionally skilled.