skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'skill' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's ability or expertise in a specific activity. For example: "She has a great skill for painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He has led the Tories with exemplary skill and if, like me, you have been lucky enough to meet him – you know you have been touched by greatness.

The Guardian

And people with a skill".

The Guardian

John, London at Dawn Anthony is a fantastic teacher, not just for his technical skill and keen eye but also his enthusiasm and passion for photography which is highly infectious!

The Guardian

He developed the skill to climb difficult walls without ropes, relying on a small chute on his back in case he fell.

The Guardian

They won't have the skill even to simulate hunting".

The Guardian

It was a stupendous piece of skill, but it only earned him par for the hole.

The Guardian - Sport

There are 700 in Afghanistan and it is right that on occasions such as the Olympic Games, or in times of national emergency such as flood relief, they provide support, ideally based on their professional skill set.

The Guardian

Michie points to examples of best practice such as the strategic projects team at NHS Midlands and East, which helps commissioners to work more effectively through collaboration: "One of the challenges commissioners have is that they're unlikely to have the skill sets they need in one organisation but can as a team," she says.

The Guardian

The last demonstrated the purest skill, as he twisted into position to drill in after Nathan Aké's beautiful assist.

The Guardian - Sport

Hull then came in for him but injuries and suspension meant that he showed more skill than substance, so he spent time at Sydney FC, Carlisle again, and MK Dons, before another move to Australia – this time permanently.

The Guardian - Sport

This skill restricted Andy Roddick to just four aces in the semi-final and Philippoussis to only 14, seven fewer than his own efforts.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "skill", specify the area of expertise to provide context. For example, "She has excellent communication skills" is more informative than "She has excellent skills".

Common error

Avoid using "skill" without specifying the area of competence. Saying someone is "skilled" without context lacks precision. Instead, specify the skill: "skilled programmer", "skilled negotiator", etc.

Linguistic Context

The word "skill" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a particular ability or proficiency. As Ludwig AI points out, it denotes a capacity to do something well, acquired through learning or practice. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe technical "skill", political "skill", or story-telling "skill".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Tech

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "skill" is a common noun used to describe someone's ability or expertise in a particular area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to a capacity acquired through learning and practice, distinguishing it from innate talents. Its frequency is very common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle domains. When using the word "skill", it's important to specify the area of competence to provide clarity. Related terms include "expertise", "ability", and "talent", each carrying slightly different nuances. By understanding these nuances and avoiding overgeneralizations, you can effectively use "skill" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability

Refers to the general capacity to perform a task.

proficiency

Emphasizes a high degree of skill and expertise.

expertise

Focuses on deep knowledge and proficiency in a specific area.

competence

Highlights the state of being adequately qualified.

mastery

Suggests complete control and understanding.

talent

Implies a natural aptitude or innate ability.

aptitude

Indicates a natural inclination or potential for skill.

know-how

Refers to practical knowledge and ability.

technique

Highlights the method or way of doing something skillfully.

artistry

Implies exceptional skill and creativity.

FAQs

How to use "skill" in a sentence?

You can use "skill" to describe someone's ability or expertise in a particular area. For instance, "His communication skills are excellent" or "She demonstrated great skill in solving the problem".

What can I say instead of "skill"?

You can use alternatives like "expertise", "ability", or "talent" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "skill" or "skills"?

"Skill" is singular, referring to a single ability. "Skills" is plural, referring to multiple abilities. For example, "He has great skill in painting" versus "She has a variety of skills, including writing and editing".

What's the difference between "skill" and "talent"?

"Skill" generally refers to an ability acquired through learning and practice, while "talent" often implies a natural, innate ability. One can develop a skill through effort, but talent is often seen as inherent.