skill for

USAGE SUMMARY

"skill for" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a specific ability or talent that someone possesses in relation to a certain task, activity, or job. Example: Sarah has a natural skill for playing the violin.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a skill for life," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Marketing is an essential skill for home-based event planners.

The Guardian

Another key skill for a literary agent is time management.

The Guardian - Money

It's just the most basic skill for everything".

The New York Times

Jones's name was made by his skill for subverting tailoring.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And later, it's a crucial skill for employability.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, endings generally aren't a specialist skill for human beings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a handy little skill for a parent.

The New York Times

That ended up being a very useful skill for me.

The New York Times

Consider it an essential parenting skill for the 21st century.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Differential diagnosis is a crucial skill for primary care physicians.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "skill for", ensure the noun following "for" clearly indicates the area where the skill is applied. For example, "skill for problem-solving" is more specific than just "skill for things".

Common error

Avoid pairing "skill for" with overly general or abstract nouns. Saying someone has a "skill for life" is vague. Instead, specify the area like "skill for adapting to new situations" or "skill for critical thinking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skill for" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, indicating a specific talent or aptitude in relation to something. It describes a particular ability someone possesses, as confirmed by Ludwig and observed in examples such as "skill for subverting tailoring" or "skill for being drunk".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skill for" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to indicate a talent or aptitude in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. This guide highlights best practices, common errors, and related phrases to enhance writing precision. The phrase is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Mastering its usage ensures clarity and impact in your communication. Remember to pair "skill for" with specific nouns to avoid vagueness and to choose related phrases to improve writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aptitude for

Replaces "skill" with "aptitude", emphasizing a natural inclination or talent.

talent for

Substitutes "skill" with "talent", highlighting an innate ability.

knack for

Uses "knack" instead of "skill", suggesting an ease and adeptness at something.

ability to

Shifts the focus to the general capacity to perform a task.

expertise in

Replaces "skill" with "expertise", denoting a high level of knowledge or mastery.

proficiency in

Substitutes "skill" with "proficiency", stressing competence and mastery.

competence in

Uses "competence" instead of "skill", indicating the quality of being adequately qualified.

capacity for

Highlights the potential or ability to do something.

facility with

Suggests ease and dexterity in using something.

prowess in

Replaces skill with prowess, implying exceptional ability or strength in a particular activity or field.

FAQs

How do I use "skill for" in a sentence?

Use "skill for" to describe someone's natural or acquired ability in a specific area. For instance, "She has a remarkable "skill for" diplomacy" or "Effective communication is a key "skill for" project managers".

What can I say instead of "skill for"?

You can use alternatives like "aptitude for", "talent for", or "knack for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "skill for" or "skill in"?

Both "skill for" and "skill in" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Skill for" often implies a natural aptitude or suitability, while "skill in" usually suggests acquired proficiency through training or experience. For example, "skill for negotiation" vs. "skill in programming".

What is the difference between "skill for" and "ability to"?

"Skill for" emphasizes a developed talent or aptitude, while "ability to" focuses on the general capacity to perform an action. For example, "He has a "skill for" identifying market trends" (suggesting expertise) versus "He has the "ability to" analyze data" (suggesting a general capability).