skill set

USAGE SUMMARY

"skill set" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a set of abilities or skills someone has developed over time. For example: "My current skill set includes knowledge of coding, copywriting, and video editing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hernandez's skill set is unique.

The New York Times - Sports

Their skill set changes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He has a different skill set.

The New York Times - Sports

"The MBA gives executives a skill set.

Independent

His awareness, his skill set.

The Guardian - Sport

Certainly within his skill set.

The Guardian - Film

Showcase your broader skill set.

University of California, Berkeley

But it's not beyond her skill set.

The New York Times

Your skill set has been phased out.

The New Yorker

"He had the skill set," he said.

The New York Times

I didn't have the skill set.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Tailor your "skill set" description to match the requirements of the situation. Highlight skills that are most relevant to the task or role.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating your "skill set". Be honest and realistic about your abilities to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skill set" functions as a noun phrase, referring to a collection of abilities or skills that an individual possesses. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it is a widely accepted term in English. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts such as describing a person's capabilities or job requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skill set" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to a collection of skills or abilities. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples indicates it is widely employed across diverse contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific domains. To ensure clarity and impact in your writing, it's advisable to provide specifics about the individual skills comprising the set and to tailor your description to the context. Avoid exaggeration to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "abilities portfolio" or "expertise inventory" can offer variety, but "skill set" remains a direct and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

areas of expertise

Highlights specific fields where one possesses significant skill.

professional capabilities

Highlights skills specifically related to work and career.

technical proficiencies

Focuses on specific technical skills and expertise.

range of capabilities

Focuses on the variety and breadth of one's abilities.

abilities portfolio

Emphasizes the range and variety of skills.

practical know-how

Emphasizes hands-on experience and applied skills.

competencies collection

Focuses on demonstrated capabilities and expertise.

expertise inventory

Highlights a detailed list of specialized knowledge and skills.

knowledge base

Stresses the informational and cognitive aspects of skills.

talent pool

Implies a group or collection of skilled individuals.

FAQs

How do I effectively showcase my "skill set" in a resume?

Use action verbs to describe how you've applied your skills, quantify your achievements whenever possible, and tailor your resume to match the specific job requirements.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "skill set"?

You can use alternatives like "abilities portfolio", "competencies collection", or "expertise inventory" depending on the specific context.

How does a "skill set" differ from experience?

A "skill set" refers to the specific abilities and knowledge you possess, while experience refers to the practical application of those skills in real-world situations.

Is it better to have a broad "skill set" or a specialized one?

It depends on your career goals. A broad "skill set" can make you versatile and adaptable, while a specialized "skill set" can make you an expert in a particular field.