main skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the primary or most important ability that someone possesses, often in a professional or educational context. Example: "Her main skill is project management, which has greatly contributed to the success of our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Gaping, I think was my main skill.

The Guardian - Music

And Mr. Cutell's main skill is mugging.

The New York Times

Gibney's main skill here then is in the editing.

The Guardian - Film

That answer probably depends on his hitting, which has always been viewed as his main skill.

The New York Times - Sports

The main skill with talking to residents is remembering that I'm a resident as well.

The Guardian

It seems that the main skill Regent has to teach is how to enjoy this time of year.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

In their absence, highly trained staff members have to spend their time doing general basic chores: We should have more administrative staff … There are chores that do not need to be done by myself but I have to get involved because the staff available is not skilled enough… (Niassa RH) "The main skills lacking in the hospital are nursing and midwifery.

Human Resources for Health

The main skills' sets needed will be business process expertise, information management, and contract management.

The Guardian

"One of the main skills of a producer is the ability to step back," says Lingwood.

The Guardian - Arts

An understanding of business is one of the main skills that students underestimate, according to a 2013 Guardian survey.

The Guardian

In fact, not setting fire to your neighbours' gardens is one of the main skills of city burning.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "main skill", be specific and provide context. Instead of saying "His main skill is communication", specify "His main skill is communicating complex information clearly to non-technical audiences".

Common error

Avoid using "main skill" as a vague descriptor. Instead of stating "Her main skill is management", identify a specific aspect of management, such as "Her main skill is conflict resolution within teams".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main skill" functions as a noun phrase, where "main" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "skill". It's used to identify and emphasize the primary or most important ability someone possesses. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its practical application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "main skill" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote an individual's or entity's foremost ability. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples, indicating its prevalent usage across diverse sources such as News & Media and Scientific publications. While the phrase is suitable for a neutral register, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid overgeneralization, as indicated in the writing guidance. Alternatives such as "primary ability" or "core competency" can be used for semantic variation. Therefore, "main skill" is a versatile phrase when used with precision and relevant context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary ability

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the skill, highlighting its foundational importance.

core competency

Emphasizes the skill as a key organizational strength or individual capability.

key expertise

Highlights specialized knowledge and proficiency in a particular area.

principal talent

Suggests an innate or natural aptitude that is highly developed.

chief qualification

Points to the most important attribute or requirement for a specific role or task.

strongest attribute

Indicates the most prominent and beneficial quality a person possesses.

leading strength

Highlights the most impactful and effective capability.

essential skill

Emphasizes the necessity of the skill for a particular purpose or job.

dominant capability

Suggests a superior or overriding capacity in a specific area.

primary forte

Refers to something at which a person excels above all else.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "main skill" in a sentence?

Use "main skill" to highlight a person's most important ability or area of expertise. For example, "Her "main skill" is negotiation, which makes her an excellent mediator."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "main skill"?

You can use alternatives such as "primary ability", "core competency", or "key expertise" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "main skill" and "key skill"?

While both phrases are similar, "main skill" typically refers to the most prominent or important skill, whereas "key skill" might refer to a skill that is essential for a specific task or role.

How do I determine someone's "main skill"?

Identify the skill in which they consistently excel and which contributes most significantly to their success. This could be based on their training, experience, or natural talent.