language skills

USAGE SUMMARY

"language skills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's ability to use a language, such as in the sentence: "He has excellent language skills in both Spanish and English."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their language skills were rudimentary.

The New York Times - Magazine

Did they retard language skills?

Independent

But India lacked the language skills.

The Economist

Their reading and language skills lag.

The New York Times

by helping to improve language skills.

The New York Times - Health

Language skills are very valuable, too".

The Guardian

I wish I had better language skills".

The New York Times

We do recruit for specific language skills.

The Guardian

"I don't have the language skills.

The New York Times

The same goes for language skills.

The Washington Post

Language skills: way to get a job?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "language skills", be specific about the languages and the level of proficiency (e.g., "fluent in Spanish and proficient in French").

Common error

Avoid using "language skills" when you actually mean broader communication abilities like public speaking or interpersonal skills. "Language skills" specifically refer to proficiency in a language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "language skills" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the ability to use and understand a language effectively. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from academic performance to job requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "language skills" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the ability to use and understand a language effectively. According to Ludwig, it is widely employed across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. The phrase's neutral to professional register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity, be specific about the languages and proficiency levels when using this phrase. Common errors involve confusing "language skills" with broader communication skills. Overall, mastering "language skills" is crucial for personal and professional growth, as highlighted by the various examples provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

linguistic abilities

Focuses on the innate capacity for language rather than acquired proficiency.

verbal proficiency

Highlights competence in spoken language.

fluency in languages

Emphasizes the ease and accuracy of language use.

command of language

Suggests a high level of mastery and control over a language.

communication skills

Encompasses a broader range of abilities beyond just language.

foreign language competence

Specifically refers to skills in languages other than one's native tongue.

multilingualism

Refers specifically to the ability to use multiple languages.

bilingual proficiency

Highlights competence in two languages specifically.

literacy skills

Focuses on reading and writing abilities, rather than overall language proficiency.

translation skills

Refers to the ability to accurately convert text from one language to another.

FAQs

How to improve my "language skills"?

To enhance your "language skills", consider immersion programs, language exchange partners, and consistent practice through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Focus on areas where you feel weakest and set achievable goals.

What are the key components of "language skills"?

Key components include vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and the ability to understand and respond appropriately in various social contexts. Working on all these aspects can improve fluency.

How do "language skills" benefit career prospects?

"Language skills" can significantly enhance career prospects, especially in international business, translation, education, and tourism. Being bilingual or multilingual opens doors to diverse job opportunities and demonstrates adaptability.

What's the difference between "language skills" and "communication skills"?

"Language skills" refer specifically to the ability to use a particular language effectively, while "communication skills" encompass a broader range of abilities related to conveying and receiving information, including verbal, non-verbal, and written forms, possibly across different languages.