it takes skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it takes skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain task or activity requires a level of expertise or proficiency. Example: "Playing the piano beautifully is not just about practice; it takes skill to master the nuances of the music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It takes skill".

The New York Times - Magazine

Sometimes, it takes skill guys more time.

The New York Times - Sports

It is easy to destroy; it takes skill to create.

The New York Times - Sports

"To empower people it takes skill and a conscious effort.

The Guardian

It takes skill to make language dance without a soundtrack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it takes skill to find and hook one when the mass feeding subsides.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

It takes skills to negotiate a settlement.

Independent

It takes people, it takes skills, it takes tools to become knowledge, data and change.

The Guardian

In the interim, it takes skills to be lean and healthy.

Huffington Post

But while it took skill to attach all those metal bits, it was confined to the surface.

The New York Times

There was, I realised, something strangely satisfying about exploding the brightly coloured blocks: it took skill and strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it takes skill" to emphasize that an activity isn't as simple as it appears and requires a degree of learned or innate ability. For example, "Negotiating a complex deal isn't just about talking; "it takes skill" to understand the nuances and reach a mutually beneficial agreement."

Common error

Avoid using "it takes skill" for tasks that are universally understood to be complex or difficult. Stating "it takes skill" to perform brain surgery is redundant, as the inherent complexity is already implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes skill" functions as an assertion, emphasizing that a particular task, activity, or endeavor necessitates a certain level of competence or proficiency. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in highlighting the need for expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it takes skill" is a versatile and common expression used to emphasize that competence or proficiency is necessary for a particular task or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While suitable for many situations, it's essential to avoid using it for tasks where the need for skill is self-evident. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "it requires expertise" or "a level of competence is required". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, wiki, and science-related sources, suggesting its broad applicability. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively communicate the importance of skill in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skill is essential

Rephrases to directly state the importance of skill.

it requires expertise

Replaces "skill" with "expertise", suggesting a need for specialized knowledge.

it demands proficiency

Emphasizes a high level of competence as a requirement.

it calls for talent

Highlights the importance of innate ability or aptitude.

it necessitates know-how

Focuses on the practical knowledge and understanding needed.

it involves artistry

Suggests a need for creative and aesthetic skill.

it needs finesse

Emphasizes the importance of delicate and refined skill.

it benefits from experience

Highlights the advantage of having practical knowledge gained over time.

it is a matter of competence

Shifts focus to the general ability to perform a task effectively.

it hinges on capability

Emphasizes that success depends on having the necessary capacity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it takes skill" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "it requires expertise", "it demands proficiency", or "a level of competence is required".

Is "it takes skill" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it takes skill" may be too informal for some academic writing. Depending on the context, more precise and formal alternatives like "expertise is necessary" or "competence is essential" could be more suitable.

When is it better to use "it requires skill" instead of "it takes skill"?

"It requires skill" and "it takes skill" are often interchangeable. "It requires skill" might be favored in more formal writing, whereas "it takes skill" can sound more conversational. However, context is the most important thing.

What are some common misconceptions about tasks that people often assume "it takes skill" to perform?

Sometimes people overestimate the skill required for certain tasks. While many activities benefit from expertise, some may primarily require practice, patience, or the right tools rather than innate ability. For example, even if it might seem "it requires skill" to cook a perfect steak, the right recipe and a bit of practice might be enough.