skill in

USAGE SUMMARY

"skill in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe expertise in a particular area. For example: She has a great skill in playing the piano.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The skill in question?

The New York Times

This is his greatest skill in life.

The Economist

"That's a good skill in life".

The New York Times

Of his skill in splitting rails.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a skill in much demand.

The Guardian - Business

That's a remarkable skill in Washington".

The New York Times

Now, she uses that skill in Sam's physical therapy.

The New York Times

I had a certain skill in those hands.

The Guardian - Arts

And no, his skill in basketball has not carried over.

The New York Times

My skill in life is as a troublemaker," he says.

The Guardian

But I must have some odd skill in marksmanship.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "skill in" with action verbs to highlight the application of expertise. For example, "His skill in negotiating contracts secured favorable terms."

Common error

Avoid using "skill in" with overly broad or undefined subjects. Instead of saying "He has skill in life", specify the area of expertise, such as "He has skill in conflict resolution."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skill in" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating expertise or ability in a particular area. It highlights a specific competence. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "skill in" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote competence within a specific domain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, underscores its versatility and relevance. While alternatives like "expertise in" or "proficiency in" exist, "skill in" remains a clear and effective choice. To maximize clarity, specify the area of expertise rather than using vague or overly broad subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expertise in

Focuses more specifically on specialized knowledge or ability within a particular field.

proficiency in

Emphasizes competence and fluency in a particular skill or area.

competence in

Highlights the ability to perform a task effectively and efficiently.

dexterity in

Refers specifically to skill and grace in physical movement, especially with the hands.

talent in

Implies a natural aptitude or inherent ability for something.

art in

Suggests a refined and cultivated ability, often implying creativity and finesse.

prowess in

Highlights exceptional skill and strength, often in a challenging or competitive context.

qualification in

Emphasizes formal training or certification in a particular area.

sophistication in

Suggests a refined and worldly skill, often related to social or cultural understanding.

knowledge in

Focuses on the understanding and awareness of facts and information within a particular domain.

FAQs

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

Use "skill in" to describe someone's proficiency or ability in a particular area or task. For example: "She has great "skill in" painting portraits."

What's the difference between "skill in" and "skill at"?

Both phrases are similar, but "skill in" typically refers to a broader area of expertise, while "skill at" often denotes a specific task. For example: "He has "skill in" leadership" versus "He has "skill at" delegating tasks."

What are some alternatives to saying "skill in"?

You can use alternatives like "expertise in", "proficiency in", or "competence in" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "skill of" instead of "skill in"?

While not ungrammatical, "skill of" is less common and can sound awkward depending on the context. "Skill in" is generally the preferred and more natural-sounding option.