little skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a small amount of ability or proficiency in a particular area or task. Example: "Although she has little skill in painting, her enthusiasm for art is evident in her vibrant creations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This journey requires a little skill.

The Guardian

"That's a little skill," he said.

The New York Times

To date, he has demonstrated little skill in creative programming.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a handy little skill for a parent.

The New York Times

6 Tom Johnson Exeter Dynamic, powerful and no little skill.

The Guardian - Sport

It has shown little skill at this task.

The New York Times

DeVoto writes, "For God's sake, develop a little skill and then do the job unostentatiously".

The New York Times - Books

The occupations in which people are least happy are manual and service jobs requiring little skill.

The Economist

"I think there's very little skill involved in the Tour de France," Murray said.

Independent

Unlike the handmade masonry structures, Princeton's buildings come practically prefabricated, reducing overhead and requiring little skill.

The New York Times

It's a bit like skimming stones and requires no little skill and technique.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, consider whether "little skill" accurately conveys the intended meaning. Alternatives like "limited expertise" or "minimal competence" may provide a more precise depiction of their capabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "little skill" when "some skill" is more accurate. If an individual possesses a foundation or developing talent, acknowledge it to prevent discouragement or underestimation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little skill" primarily functions as a modifier describing a noun (often a person or entity) and indicating a lack of proficiency or expertise. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little skill" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a deficiency in ability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable in written English and can be substituted with alternatives like "limited expertise" or "minimal competence" for nuanced meanings. Predominantly found in news and media, it's crucial to assess whether "little skill" accurately reflects the intended meaning and to avoid overstating limitations when some skill is present. Understanding its function, purpose, and register will enable its proper use in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited expertise

Emphasizes a lack of specialized knowledge or proficiency in a particular area.

Minimal competence

Highlights a basic level of ability, suggesting adequacy rather than excellence.

Lack of proficiency

Directly states the absence of required skill or ability.

Inadequate skill

Indicates the skill level is not sufficient for a specific task or purpose.

Rudimentary ability

Suggests a very basic or undeveloped level of skill.

Beginner level

Specifies the skill as being at the starting stage of learning.

Basic understanding

Focuses on comprehension rather than developed skill.

Limited dexterity

Specifically refers to a lack of physical skill or coordination.

Scant expertise

Underlines the small amount of knowledge in a field.

Deficient skill set

Highlights a lack of necessary skills for a given purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "little skill" to describe someone's lack of ability in a particular area. For example, "He approached the task with "little skill", but a lot of enthusiasm."

What are some alternatives to "little skill"?

Alternatives include "limited expertise", "minimal competence", or "lack of proficiency", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "little skill" or "few skills"?

"Little skill" refers to a small amount of ability in general, while "few skills" indicates a limited number of specific abilities. The choice depends on whether you're referring to the degree or the quantity of skills.

What's the difference between "little skill" and "no skill"?

"Little skill" means there is some ability, though not much. "No skill" implies a complete absence of ability. The best choice depends on how accurately you want to portray the situation.