serious skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious skills" 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 field. Example: "Her serious skills in graphic design have earned her numerous awards and recognition in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Serious skills shortages, met by migrant labour.

Independent

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

The Guardian

One of the goals of the Slabs project, Dr. Wessel said, is to create an electronic musical instrument that inspires players to develop serious skills.

The New York Times

Acer, in particular, has also shown serious skills in selling through channel partners, which is the dominant method of moving PCs in many developing countries.

The New York Times

As a result "Kukahi" offers the most comprehensive portrait yet of Mr. Reichel's serious skills, including his puckish sense of humor.

The New York Times - Arts

It also acknowledges having serious skills gaps at the top – but surely 7 million people, between them, must have every skill imaginable.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "serious skills" to show a character's mastery in a particular area, enhancing their credibility.

Common error

While "serious skills" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it too frequently in very casual conversations. Opt for more colloquial alternatives like "real talent" or "amazing abilities" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious skills" functions as an adjective-noun combination modifying a noun. It describes the quality or level of skill possessed by someone or something. Ludwig shows it's often used to emphasize competence and expertise in various fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious skills" is a versatile phrase used to denote a high level of proficiency or competence. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While frequently used in news and media, it also appears in scientific and professional contexts. Remember to use it appropriately, favoring formal and professional settings. Alternatives include "considerable expertise" or "advanced proficiency". While "serious skills" is generally correct, avoid overusing it in extremely informal conversations for a more natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advanced proficiency

Focuses on the high level of competence achieved.

considerable expertise

Emphasizes the depth and breadth of knowledge and ability.

exceptional talent

Highlights unusual or remarkable ability.

substantial competence

Indicates a solid and reliable level of skill.

significant capabilities

Highlights the notable potential and capacity in a specific area.

refined abilities

Implies skill that has been honed and perfected.

masterful technique

Focuses on refined and expert execution.

notable aptitude

Emphasizes a natural talent or inclination.

remarkable prowess

Highlights exceptional skill and dexterity.

high-caliber aptitude

Focuses on the superior quality of one's skills.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious skills" to describe someone's high level of proficiency. For example, "The chef has "serious skills" in French cuisine".

What are some alternatives to saying "serious skills"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "considerable expertise", "advanced proficiency", or "exceptional talent" as alternatives to "serious skills".

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

Yes, "serious skills" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize a high level of competence and experience. It is common in professional contexts such as resumes or performance reviews.

What's the difference between "serious skills" and "good skills"?

"Serious skills" implies a higher degree of proficiency and dedication compared to "good skills". While "good skills" suggests basic competence, "serious skills" indicates mastery and expertise.