general competence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general competence" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a broad or overall level of skill or ability in a particular area. Example: John's general competence in math allowed him to easily solve complex equations without much difficulty.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Fitzgerald [ 22] and Mc Allister et al. [ 2] demanded that medical exchange programs should provide not only general competencies detached from medical work, but also should promote subject-specific competencies, even if they have a high proportion of general competence areas.

BMC Medical Education

And the story is told with a general competence.

The New York Times

Lincoln not only matches the competition in ride, handling and general competence, it raises the class standards a bit.

The New York Times

(Policar told me that he had reviewed the medical records for only two patients, and had never vouched for Brigham's general competence).

The New Yorker

Others fall for this presentational crap, we think: our interest in it is strictly as an index of more general competence, so it's fine.

Independent

The examining board, a committee of four faculty members, is appointed to examine the student for general competence in the area of interest.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

We applied the PMA-R (Thurstone, 1938), a questionnaire in which students self-evaluated academic competencies (30 general competences and 10 specific competences) on a scale (1 10) and the academic achievement with the final course academic average score (1 10 scale).

Personality and Individual Differences

This encourages educational providers to generate learning methods that equally develop the family physicians' general competences and their capabilities to adapt these to real life contexts [ 2, 4].

BMC Medical Education

We founded significant relationships between general intelligence and academic achievement (.226; p < .001); between competences and academic achievement (.244 in general competences and.302 in specific competences; p < .005), but there is not significant relationship between intelligence and competences (−.011).

Personality and Individual Differences

They apply more inclusive methods that better involve, activate and motivate students, encourage cooperation and help develop general competences in students.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Specialization programmes for health-care experts should not only include the specific competences required by the different areas of expertise, but also general competences.

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating candidates, use "general competence" to refer to their foundational skills applicable across different tasks, complementing their specific expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "general competence" when you actually mean a specific skill or expertise. "General competence" refers to broad capabilities, not specialized knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general competence" functions as a noun phrase, where "general" modifies the noun "competence". It describes a broad or overall level of skill or ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general competence" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that refers to a broad level of skill or ability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is particularly prevalent in science, news, and business contexts, suggesting its applicability across various registers from neutral to professional. When using the phrase, it's important to differentiate it from specific skills and ensure that it accurately reflects a person's overall capabilities, rather than specialized knowledge. Related phrases such as "overall capability" or "broad proficiency" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall capability

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the ability.

broad proficiency

Highlights skill and expertise across a wide range.

overall proficiency

Highlights skill and expertise in general terms.

general aptitude

Focuses on natural talent or potential.

comprehensive skill set

Emphasizes a collection of skills applicable in different situations.

all-around ability

Suggests versatility and competence in many areas.

versatile skill

Highlights the adaptability of the person's skillset.

wide-ranging expertise

Indicates extensive knowledge and skill in various domains.

global mastery

Suggests a high level of competence on a global scale.

holistic skill

Highlights a broader understanding and integrated abilities.

FAQs

How is "general competence" used in professional settings?

In professional contexts, "general competence" is often used to describe the foundational skills and abilities that are applicable across different roles and responsibilities. It's a broader measure compared to specific skills required for a particular job.

What are some alternatives to using "general competence" in writing?

You can use alternatives like "overall capability", "broad proficiency", or "all-around ability" depending on the specific context. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of overall skill and expertise.

Which is correct, "general competence" or "overall competence"?

Both "general competence" and "overall competence" are correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "general competence" might be slightly more common when referring to a broad set of skills, while overall competence can imply a higher level of mastery.

How does "general competence" differ from "technical skill"?

"General competence" refers to broad, foundational abilities applicable across various domains, while "technical skill" refers to specific expertise in a particular area or technology. A candidate might possess high technical skills but lack the "general ability" to adapt to new situations or collaborate effectively.