have a skill for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a skill for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone possesses a particular talent or ability in a specific area or activity. Example: "She has a skill for painting that sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

On his Facebook page he responded: "These guys @ Tennis Jamaica have a skill for turning the things so they look like "The Good Guys"..

The Guardian - Sport

You may have a skill for baking; if so you could make a cake stand.

WikiHow

Do you have a skill for Pivot Stickfigure Animator, do people find you randomly funny?

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She had a skill for self-effacement that a spook might envy.

The Guardian - Arts

The charitable Institute of Advanced Motorists IAMM) has a Skill for Life package that costs £139, and means cheaper insurance too.

Independent

Chris, the second mate, has a skill for teasing the new boy, who, coming on to the bridge at night, finds something amazing and says so. "'Yeah.

The Guardian - Books

Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco has a skill for finding controversy, but on Thursday he stumbled into one in a most unusual fashion: by way of a misprinted phone number on boxes of cereal that bear his name.

The New York Times - Sports

Also, Pierce, like any black professional, has a skill for code-switching, and when he's in character the tone of his black-vernacular English deepens so that he speaks to street toughs in their own language.

The New Yorker

Critics have compared him to P. T. Barnum, and he certainly has a skill for self-salesmanship: this spring, he relentlessly talked up Costco's decision to discontinue stocking "The 4-Hour Body" — a decision he suggests was made on account of the explicitness of a chapter entitled "The 15-Minute Female Orgasm" — and the ensuing controversy inspired a marketing bonanza of prurient Google searches.

The New Yorker

He believed that he had a skill for picking out the ones who would succeed and, as an example, cites a boy named John Miller, then a Montclair high-school student, who became a well-known journalist and one of the only Americans to interview Osama bin Laden.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "have a skill for" to highlight a specific, developed talent. For example, "She "has a skill for" simplifying complex topics."

Common error

Avoid using "have a skill for" to describe general attributes. Instead, use it to refer to specific, demonstrable abilities. For instance, say "He "has a skill for" negotiation" rather than "He "has a skill for" being nice."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a skill for" functions as a verbal phrase used to express the possession of a particular ability or talent. It describes someone's capacity to perform a specific task or activity well. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a skill for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe someone's talent or ability. While it's more common in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts, Ludwig confirms its general validity in English writing. Remember to use it for specific, demonstrable abilities and consider alternatives like "be adept at" or "possess a talent for" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess a talent for

Emphasizes inherent aptitude rather than learned ability.

be talented in

Focuses on innate ability and natural gift.

have a gift for

Suggests a natural, often exceptional ability.

have a knack for

Implies an intuitive ease and dexterity in performing something.

demonstrate proficiency in

Highlights the observable competence in a specific area.

exhibit an aptitude for

Focuses on a natural inclination towards a particular activity.

be adept at

Highlights a high level of skill and competence.

excel at

Focuses on superior performance and achievement.

be proficient in

Emphasizes mastery and competence in a particular domain.

show competence in

Highlights the demonstrated ability to perform effectively.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have a skill for" something?

To "have a skill for" something means that you possess a natural or acquired ability to do it well. It implies competence and aptitude in a particular area.

What can I say instead of "have a skill for"?

You can use alternatives like "be adept at", "possess a talent for", or "excel at" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "have a skill for" or "be skilled in"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Have a skill for" suggests a natural inclination or talent, while "be skilled in" emphasizes learned proficiency.

How do I use "have a skill for" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's talent or ability. For example: "She "has a skill for" painting beautiful landscapes", or "He "has a skill for" simplifying complex problems."