few skills

USAGE SUMMARY

'few skills' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a limited number of skills that someone or something has. Example: He was able to use the few skills he had to successfully complete the task.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those with few skills may compete with low-skilled native workers, who are most likely to be poor.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Skilled workers can bid up their wages while those with few skills operate in a twilight zone.

The Guardian - Business

He had few skills and fewer prospects.

The New Yorker

Few skills and resources were needed to sell crack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Few qualities are more sought after, few skills more envied.

The New Yorker

Unemployment, particularly among the young men who emerged from the war with few skills, is crushing.

The New York Times

During her seven years of life, she had acquired a few skills.

The New Yorker

These workers may forget their skills; and many began with few skills anyway.

The Economist

And most of those demand few skills, such as operating telephones.

The Economist

The vast majority come away with few skills for life beyond athletics.

The New York Times

Second, this requirement focuses only on a few skills, particularly writing ability and research technique.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's capabilities, use "few skills" to directly and clearly state they possess a limited number of abilities relevant to a task or job.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the lack of skills; using overly negative language can be misconstrued. Instead of saying someone has "absolutely no skills", "few skills" offers a more balanced and professional assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few skills" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun. It indicates a limited quantity or deficiency in abilities. As Ludwig indicates, it's considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "few skills" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a limited number of abilities or proficiencies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, the expression serves to highlight limitations or explain capabilities, and may denote lack of competence in many situations. When describing a person's capabilities, use "few skills" to directly and clearly state they possess a limited number of abilities relevant to a task or job.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited skill set

Emphasizes the collection of skills rather than just the quantity.

basic skills only

Highlights that the existing skills are at a fundamental level.

minimal expertise

Focuses on the lack of specialized knowledge or mastery.

rudimentary abilities

Suggests the skills are undeveloped or in an early stage.

undeveloped talents

Implies potential that has not been realized.

lacking proficiency

Highlights the absence of competence in specific areas.

inadequate capabilities

Indicates the skills are insufficient for a particular purpose.

untrained in many areas

Focuses on the lack of formal instruction or experience.

deficient in key competencies

Highlights a shortfall in essential workplace skills.

weak in certain aptitudes

Points out specific areas where abilities are below average.

FAQs

How can I use "few skills" in a sentence?

You can use "few skills" to describe someone's limited abilities, such as, "With "few skills", he found it hard to get a job."

What is an alternative to saying "few skills"?

Alternatives include "limited skill set", "basic skills only", or "minimal expertise", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a few skills" or "few skills"?

"Few skills" implies a small number that is inadequate, while "a few skills" suggests a small number that may be sufficient or at least present. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a deficiency or simply state a small quantity.

What are the implications of having "few skills" in the job market?

Having "few skills" can lead to increased competition for lower-paying jobs and greater vulnerability to unemployment, as highlighted in several examples.