intermediate skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intermediate skills" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of proficiency that is between beginner and advanced in a particular skill or area of knowledge. Example: "To apply for this position, candidates should possess intermediate skills in programming languages such as Python and Java."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

While recruitment and training costs may depend on the general availability of skilled workers on the external labour market, long-term predictions for Europe suggest that there will be a shortage of skilled workers with intermediate skills in many countries despite the currently high unemployment rates (due to the demographic ageing of societies).

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

The submission of the Local Government Association to a parliamentary review of skills training said, despite the billions being spent, the skills gap will widen with over four million too few high-skilled people to take up available jobs, two million too many with intermediate skills and more than six million too many low-skilled by 2024.

Forbes

Again, the message will press all the right buttons with businessmen, who bemoan a shortage of engineers and other skilled workers, as well as low levels of intermediate skills in the workforce more generally.

The Economist

A few huts are accessible to beginners, but most of these trips require intermediate skills at least.

The Guardian - Travel

Migrants with lower or intermediate skills may also complement the skills of the domestic population and help raise productivity".

The Guardian - Business

In the OECD we are 18th for low skills, 20th for intermediate skills and 11th for high skills.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Novices are called "mummies"; players of intermediate skill are known as "Cleopatras"; and those with six months training under their belt — who have paid their dues in bruises — graduate to "Cairoller," a full member of Egypt's only roller derby club.

The New York Times

Formally, dual VET programs "comprise both work-based training and formal education, in most countries at upper-secondary level, and lead to a qualification in an intermediate skill" (Wolter and Ryan 2011, 523).

Journal for Labour Market Research

The event is open to people 16 years and older, ideal for beginner to intermediate skill levels.

Los Angeles Times

The sample comprised 10 professional golfers (handicap = 0; professionals: PROs), 10 golfers with a high skill level (handicap>0 14, HCP 0 14), 10 golfers with an intermediate skill level (handicap>15 36, HCP 15 36), and 10 non-golfers (no experience with golf including mini-golf, NOGOLF).

Plosone

The ability to detect smaller, yet clinically significant differences between intermediate skill levels is required to establish benchmarks and provide objective feedback to the training population of residents.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying required skills for a job, clearly define what "intermediate skills" entails in that context. Provide examples of tasks or projects a person with "intermediate skills" should be able to handle.

Common error

Avoid using "intermediate skills" without context or examples. What constitutes "intermediate" varies across fields; failing to clarify can lead to mismatched expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intermediate skills" primarily functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "intermediate" modifies the noun "skills." It is used to describe a level of proficiency that is neither basic nor advanced, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Examples show its use in describing computing, language, and technical abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intermediate skills" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a level of proficiency between beginner and advanced. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It's frequently used in news, science, and academic domains, indicating a broad appeal. While versatile, defining what "intermediate skills" entails in a specific context is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "mid-level abilities" or "moderate proficiency" can be used for variety. Remember, clarity is key when communicating skill levels to ensure effective communication and meet expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mid-level abilities

Replaces "skills" with "abilities" and uses "mid-level" instead of "intermediate" to denote a similar level of proficiency.

proficient capabilities

Substitutes "skills" with "capabilities" and uses "proficient" to suggest a competent, though not expert, level.

competent expertise

Emphasizes a degree of mastery, replacing "skills" with "expertise" and "intermediate" with "competent".

moderate proficiency

Uses "proficiency" instead of "skills" and "moderate" as a substitute for "intermediate", indicating a middle ground in skill level.

average aptitude

Replaces "skills" with "aptitude" and uses "average" to convey a similar sense of being in the middle range.

decent skillset

Uses "skillset" to encompass a range of skills, with "decent" implying a satisfactory but not exceptional level.

reasonable command

Indicates a good level of control or knowledge, suggesting a solid but not advanced grasp of the subject.

working knowledge

Focuses on practical application, implying sufficient skill for performing tasks but not necessarily deep theoretical understanding.

serviceable talents

Replaces "skills" with "talents" and uses "serviceable" indicating adequate skills for practical use.

adequate qualifications

Emphasizes formal requirements, suggesting that the skills meet the necessary standards but are not necessarily exceptional.

FAQs

How do you define "intermediate skills" in a job description?

In a job description, specify what someone with "intermediate skills" should be able to do. For example, "Proficient in Python, able to write and debug complex scripts, and familiar with data analysis libraries."

What are some alternatives to "intermediate skills"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "mid-level abilities", "competent expertise", or "moderate proficiency" to describe a similar level of capability.

Is it better to say "intermediate skills" or "mid-level skills"?

Both "intermediate skills" and "mid-level skills" are acceptable. "Intermediate skills" is slightly more common, but "mid-level skills" can be a good alternative to avoid repetition.

What's the difference between "intermediate skills" and "advanced skills"?

"Intermediate skills" indicate a solid understanding and ability to apply knowledge, while "advanced skills" suggest mastery and the ability to innovate or solve complex problems independently.