good skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good skill" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to compliment someone's ability, but it is more typical to use "good skills" or "a good skill." Example: "She has a good skill for problem-solving that impresses everyone on the team."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

ENID: Hmm, that's a good skill.

The New Yorker

"They have a good skill base.

The New York Times

"That's a good skill in life".

The New York Times

I'll take attitude any day over a good skill set.

The New York Times

He displayed sure hands, the ability to stretch the seam and good skill after the catch.

The New York Times

Argumentation is a good skill to have, but the real argument should be with oneself.

The New York Times

But to play like that is down to character and good skill".

The Guardian - Sport

On the ground we learn why gardening is a good skill to have on other planets.

The New York Times

I've found it's a pretty good skill to have under your belt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Do you think basic medical training is a good skill for young people to possess?

The New York Times

Griffin often demonstrates good footwork, a quick release and good skill throwing with his feet under him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger adjectives like "excellent", "exceptional", or "remarkable" instead of "good" to emphasize the skill level more effectively. For example, "excellent skill" or "exceptional technique" can add more impact.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "good skill" as a default description. Instead, specify the skill or ability being demonstrated more precisely. For example, rather than stating someone has a "good skill", describe it as "good problem-solving skills" or "good communication skills" to provide more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good skill" primarily functions as a noun phrase where "good" modifies the noun "skill". It describes the quality or level of someone's ability in a particular task or area. As Ludwig AI notes, while acceptable, it can benefit from stronger or more specific descriptors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good skill" is an acceptable way to describe competence, but as Ludwig AI indicates, it is more typical to use "good skills" or "a good skill". It is commonly found in various sources, particularly in news and media, and it serves to express appreciation or acknowledgment. While grammatically sound, stronger adjectives or more specific descriptions can enhance its impact. For alternatives, consider phrases like "decent skill" or "useful skill". Be mindful of overusing "good" as a generic descriptor and instead, focus on detailing the specific skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good competence

Emphasizes the ability to perform a task effectively.

decent skill

Suggests a moderate level of ability, slightly less enthusiastic than "good skill".

good dexterity

Focuses on physical skill and coordination, differing from general competence.

good proficiency

Highlights the expertise in a particular area, unlike general competence.

good knowhow

Indicates practical knowledge and understanding.

good qualification

Emphasizes formal certification or training, unlike inherent ability.

useful skill

Highlights the practicality of a skill, adding a layer of functionality.

good technique

Focuses on the method of performing a task well, adding a focus on methodology.

good capacity

Highlights the potential to develop a skill further.

good talent

Implies a natural aptitude or gift for a particular skill.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "good skill"?

You can use alternatives such as "decent skill", "useful skill", or "good technique" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "good skill" or "good skills"?

While both are acceptable, "good skills" is generally preferred when referring to a range of abilities. "Good skill" is more appropriate when referring to a single, specific ability.

How can I describe someone's abilities more precisely than saying they have "good skill"?

Instead of saying someone has "good skill", you could be more specific and say they have "good dexterity", "good proficiency", or "good competence" in a particular area.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "good skill"?

It's appropriate to use the phrase "good skill" when you want to acknowledge someone's competence or ability in a specific area. However, consider using stronger adjectives or specifying the skill for more impact.