serious skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high level of proficiency or expertise in a particular area or activity. Example: "Her serious skill in graphic design has earned her numerous awards and recognition in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Forbes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"She's got the patent resumé of somebody that has serious skill.

The Guardian

Poor management is endemic in many British companies, where it is rarely regarded as a serious skill.

The Guardian - Business

It's as if he kept going out of his way to distract himself from the serious skill even an apparently frivolous game requires.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cheddar Alley, Newton An actual alley runs alongside the 19th-century building downtown that is home to Cheddar Alley, a shop and cafe that mixes the cute — hors d'oeuvre knives decorated with mice nibbling on cheese — with serious skill.

The New York Times

Joseph O'Connor's The Thrill of It All (Harvill Secker) uses layered narrative textures with both serious skill and engaging lightness so that the core drama emerges with clarity and wit.

The Guardian - Books

How much longer can the growth in jobs continue without serious skill shortages developing, causing a pay explosion?One promising sign is that the rise in Jobcentre vacancies seems to be fairly well spread across different types of job and different parts of the country; few serious bottlenecks have formed so far.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This week the government, which has said it will end current EU free-movement arrangements after Brexit, will come under yet more pressure with the release of a report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) that will warn of serious skills shortages unless ministers agree a "light touch" immigration system which permits skilled and unskilled EU workers to continue to come to the UK.

The Guardian

Cal Archery Academy is designed as a RECURVE only archery training program and has a more serious, skill-development-oriented atmosphere.

University of California, Berkeley

Serious skills shortages, met by migrant labour.

Independent

And, unlike university, this route to serious skills often starts with a real job, finds Jessica Griggs.

New Scientist

Despite training offered by about 100 private providers and colleges, a serious skills shortage is looming.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's capabilities, use "serious skill" to convey a high degree of proficiency, especially when highlighting expertise that is not immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "serious skill" to describe basic or elementary abilities. Reserve this phrase for instances where expertise genuinely surpasses standard competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious skill" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "skill", indicating a high degree of proficiency or expertise. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

15%

Forbes

15%

Less common in

University of California, Berkeley

5%

Vice

5%

HuffPost

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious skill" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a high level of proficiency or expertise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, with a slightly higher prevalence in news and media. When seeking alternatives, consider options such as "considerable expertise" or "remarkable talent" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to reserve "serious skill" for instances where the expertise genuinely exceeds typical competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable expertise

Emphasizes the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience.

remarkable talent

Highlights innate ability and natural aptitude.

significant proficiency

Focuses on the advanced level of competence achieved.

exceptional ability

Stresses the unusual and outstanding quality of the skill.

notable competence

Highlights the clear and easily observed expertise.

substantial skill

Indicates a large amount of skill or ability.

advanced capability

Emphasizes a highly developed and sophisticated level of skill.

masterful technique

Highlights the refined and expert approach to a specific skill.

demonstrated aptitude

Focuses on the proven ability to perform a specific skill effectively.

accomplished expertise

Emphasizes the level of mastery and success achieved.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious skill" to describe someone's high level of proficiency in a particular area. For example, "The chef demonstrated "serious skill" in molecular gastronomy."

What's a good alternative to "serious skill"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "considerable expertise", "remarkable talent", or "exceptional ability".

Is it appropriate to use "serious skill" in formal writing?

Yes, "serious skill" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize a high level of competence or expertise. However, be mindful of the specific context and choose the most precise term.

Which is more impactful, "serious skill" or "good skill"?

"Serious skill" is generally more impactful because it conveys a higher degree of proficiency and commitment compared to "good skill", which can be interpreted as simply adequate.