several skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several skills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a variety of abilities or competencies that someone possesses. Example: "In today's job market, having several skills can make you a more attractive candidate to employers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The U.S. secretary of state needs several skills: leadership, strategic vision, an inner compass, knowledge of the world and judgment.

The New York Times

"It's a ninth-grade problem that involves geometry and algebra in an unfamiliar context," and tests several skills at once, he said.

The New York Times

Will Slade, 66, a retired Secret Service agent who drove in motorcades for five presidents, from Johnson to Reagan, said he had learned several skills driving in motorcades, which he still uses, though not all are good habits.

The New York Times - Travel

The point of training is to develop special operators' skills to an exceptional level, cross-train operators in several skills as a means of self-reliance and team building, and also continuously scrutinize candidates for their suitability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The designers of high-performance embedded computing systems are required to master several skills.

High-Performance Embedded Computing Architectures, Applications, and Methodologies

Indeed, in this move to secure the foundations of drug development, CRUK has needed to bridge several skills gaps.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Ms. Knox plans to use $719,000 in state funds for several skill development programs.

The New York Times

That workout came during an additional minicamp that Sanchez created recently, flying in several skill-position players.

The New York Times - Sports

Now it's one of several skill sets, and in many companies it's not even the most important one.

Forbes

The synthetic time series compared with the observed ROME series has also been evaluated using several skill measures as such as RMSE, NRMSE, Agreement Index, R, R2, F-test and t-test.

Advances in Space Research

The social maze game is a collaborative training exercise that was designed to train several skill components such as lifting, transporting, turning, pushing, and reaching.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's qualifications, use "several skills" to indicate they possess a versatile and well-rounded skill set. This suggests adaptability and readiness to tackle diverse challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "several skills" when referring to a small number of abilities. If you are only highlighting two or three skills, it is more appropriate to specify them directly or use a term like "a couple of key skills".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several skills" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable to describe possessing a variety of abilities or competencies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several skills" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate a breadth of abilities and is frequently found in scientific and news contexts. To enhance your writing, use "several skills" to highlight versatility. Be mindful not to overstate the number of skills and consider listing specific skills for added clarity. Alternatives like "multiple capabilities" or "diverse skill set" can add nuance, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple capabilities

Emphasizes the potential to perform various tasks effectively, highlighting inherent abilities.

various competencies

Highlights the qualifications and abilities needed to effectively perform a specific task.

diverse skill set

Focuses on the range and variety of abilities a person possesses.

range of talents

Stresses the natural aptitude and abilities someone has, often in creative or artistic fields.

collection of expertise

Highlights the depth and breadth of knowledge in specific areas.

assortment of abilities

Highlights a wide array of different skills.

multitude of aptitudes

Focuses on the natural tendencies and potential for learning and mastering new skills.

array of proficiencies

Highlights the advanced level of skill and competence in various areas.

spectrum of capabilities

Stresses the breadth and scope of someone's potential and abilities.

suite of competencies

Focuses on a complete set of skills needed for a particular role or task.

FAQs

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

You can use "several skills" to describe someone's abilities, such as: "The job requires candidates to possess "several skills", including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork."

What are some alternatives to "several skills"?

Alternatives to "several skills" include "multiple capabilities", "various competencies", or a "diverse skill set", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "several skills" or list the specific skills?

Using "several skills" is appropriate when you want to generally highlight the breadth of abilities. Listing specific skills provides more clarity and detail, especially in job descriptions or performance reviews.

What does it mean when someone is described as having "several skills"?

It typically implies that the person is competent in various areas and can handle different tasks effectively. It suggests a versatile and adaptable individual.