have a skill

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a skill" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts such as when you are talking about someone's abilities or when you are telling someone to pursue a skill. For example, "I want you to focus on developing your skills and have a skill that will set you apart from others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She didn't have a skill to work.

Harvard Business Review

"I have a skill set in textiles," she said.

The New York Times

We have a skill set for saying, "Hah!

Yale University

We have a skill set for psychological distancing.

Yale University

Ethel: "These days a working woman must have a skill".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"When the labor rate moves up, what happens to those people who don't have a skill?

The New York Times

Epictetus points out to us that we have a skill set for letting go.

Yale University

If you have a skill deficit, get training or further education.

Columbia University

"If you have a skill, or you are entrepreneurial, there are opportunities in PNG.

The Guardian

To Ostrovsky's credit, he does have a skill: he instinctively knows what will go viral.

The Guardian - Tech

Take up archery so that you have a skill for the dystopian future.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing professional development, specify which skills are most relevant and transferable across different roles by using "have a skill" with related examples.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about skills. Instead of saying someone "have a skill", specify the exact nature and level of proficiency. For example, say "have a skill in data analysis" rather than just "have a skill".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a skill" serves as a verbal expression indicating the possession of a particular ability or expertise. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase. The phrase is commonly used to describe someone's capabilities or to emphasize the importance of acquiring new abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

18%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a skill" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the possession of an ability or expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, from professional discussions to everyday conversations. While alternatives like "possess an ability" or "be proficient in" exist, "have a skill" remains a straightforward and commonly preferred choice. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the nature and level of the skill being discussed. Mastering this phrase and its nuances contributes to more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be skilled in

A more straightforward alternative focusing on acquired expertise.

possess an ability

Focuses on the inherent capacity rather than a learned expertise; highlights natural talent.

have expertise in

Highlights specialized knowledge and mastery.

be proficient in

Emphasizes competence and expertise in a specific area, more formal.

be adept at

Highlights natural talent and ease in performing a task.

excel at

Implies a high level of competence and achievement.

have a talent for

Highlights a natural inclination or gift.

demonstrate competence in

Focuses on the act of showing proficiency.

master a craft

Implies a deep and thorough understanding and control of a particular skill.

be capable of

General expression of ability, less specific than "have a skill".

FAQs

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

You can use "have a skill" to describe someone's ability or to encourage someone to acquire new abilities. For example, "It's important to "have a skill" that is in high demand in the job market."

What are some alternatives to "have a skill"?

Alternatives include "possess an ability", "be proficient in", or "have expertise in". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "have a skill" or "possess a skill"?

Both phrases are correct, but "possess a skill" /s/possess+a+skill may sound slightly more formal and emphasizes ownership, while ""have a skill"" is more common and straightforward.

How can I effectively demonstrate that I "have a skill" during a job interview?

Instead of just stating that you ""have a skill"", provide specific examples of how you've used that skill to achieve results in previous roles. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to showcase your proficiency.