skill at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skill at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to refer to someone exhibiting a proficiency or ability in a certain area. For example, "John showed a great skill at playing the guitar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Requena's skill at scrounging ballpark food was legend.

The New York Times

He has a special skill at negotiating among conflicting groups.

The New Yorker

Eavesdropping on players took no skill at all.

The New York Times - Sports

Corporations have also recognized Hastreiter's skill at connecting people.

The New Yorker

His skill at mathematics shows the influence of Vittorino.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her primary and greatest talent was her skill at fishing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've got the love and skill at learning languages.

The Guardian

Once again, MacGregor shows his skill at making objects speak.

The Guardian - Books

It has shown little skill at this task.

The New York Times

He showed great skill at shooting aliens, whose bodies exploded.

The New York Times

And, related to that, there is our skill at cooperation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "skill at", clearly specify the activity or area where the skill is demonstrated to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "skill at" without specifying the skill. For example, instead of saying "He has skill at something", clarify with "He has "skill at" coding and problem-solving".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skill at" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, indicating proficiency or expertise in a particular activity or area. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is used to describe someone's competency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skill at" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to describe proficiency in a particular area. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively highlights competence and is widely employed across various contexts, as confirmed by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While it's most frequently found in news and media, it's also prevalent in encyclopedias and wiki content. For clarity, it's best practice to specify the area where the skill is demonstrated. Alternatives such as "proficiency in" and "expertise in" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Proficiency in

Focuses on the level of expertise rather than the skill itself.

Adeptness at

Emphasizes a natural talent or quick learning ability.

Expertise in

Highlights specialized knowledge and mastery.

Competence in

Stresses the ability to adequately perform a task.

Talent for

Implies an innate ability or natural gift.

Ability in

General term for having the capacity to do something.

Knack for

Suggests a special and often inexplicable talent.

Flair for

Highlights a distinctive and stylish talent.

Command of

Indicates a high degree of control and mastery.

Mastery of

Suggests comprehensive and profound understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "skill at" to describe someone's proficiency or ability in a specific area. For example, "She demonstrated great "skill at" negotiation during the contract talks".

What are some alternatives to "skill at"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "proficiency in", "expertise in", or "talent for".

Is there a difference between "skill at" and "skill in"?

While both can be used to describe proficiency, "skill at" is typically used for activities or actions, while "skill in" might be used for broader areas or subjects. For example, "skill at" playing the piano versus "skill in" mathematics.

Which is more appropriate, "skill at" or "ability to"?

"Skill at" emphasizes developed expertise, while "ability to" simply denotes the capacity to do something. Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of proficiency you want to convey.