skill sets

USAGE SUMMARY

'skill sets' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to refer to a group or collection of skills or abilities. For example, "The candidate demonstrated a variety of skill sets that make her an excellent choice for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have different skill sets".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Skill sets are more specialised.

The Guardian

Our skill sets complement each other.

The New York Times

"I'm all about new skill sets".

The New York Times - Sports

I wanted both skill sets.

Stanford University

"They are different skill sets, maybe.

The New York Times - Sports

The skill sets are fairly similar.

The New York Times - Magazine

1. Technical ability: broaden your skill sets.

Nature

Different contractors have different skill sets.

The New York Times

"We want people with different skill sets," she said.

The New York Times

Good areas, bad areas, skill sets, execution thereof?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skill sets" when referring to a collection of abilities, rather than a single skill. For instance, a marketer might have a "skill set" that includes data analysis, content creation, and social media management.

Common error

Avoid using redundant phrases like "basic skill sets" when "skills" alone suffices. Similarly, ensure you're not using "skill sets" when a single, specific skill is being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skill sets" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows the wide applicability of the phrase in describing an individual's or group's combined abilities. As shown by Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science & Research

21%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skill sets" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe the combination of abilities an individual or a group possesses. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely applicable across various domains, notably in news, science, and business. While alternatives like "abilities" and "competencies" exist, "skill sets" maintains its relevance due to its clear and concise communication of combined expertise. When using this phrase, specifying the relevant "skill sets" enhances the clarity and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abilities

Focuses on inherent or acquired talents, differing from "skill sets" which implies a collection of skills.

capabilities

Focuses on the potential to perform certain actions, wider scope than specific "skill sets".

competencies

Highlights the qualities or capabilities needed for a specific task, similar to, but more specific than "skill sets".

areas of proficiency

This alternative emphasizes specific domains of expertise, similar to "skill sets" but with a focus on demonstrated competence.

expertise

Emphasizes deep knowledge and proficiency in a particular area, implying mastery beyond just a collection of skills.

arsenal of skills

Implies a comprehensive and ready-to-use set of abilities, analogous to "skill sets" but with a connotation of preparedness.

professional toolkit

Suggests a set of resources and skills used in a professional context, related to "skill sets" but with an emphasis on application.

qualifications

Refers to the credentials and accomplishments that demonstrate competence, broader than specific "skill sets".

knowledge base

Emphasizes the information and understanding one possesses, which underpins related "skill sets".

talents

Highlights natural aptitudes, where as "skill sets" refers more to aquired.

FAQs

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

You can use "skill sets" to describe a collection of abilities someone possesses, for example, "The job requires a diverse range of "skill sets", including communication and problem-solving."

What are some alternatives to "skill sets"?

Alternatives to "skill sets" include "abilities", "competencies", or "expertise", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "skill sets" or should I say "skill set"?

"Skill sets" is the plural form, used when referring to multiple skills. "Skill set" is singular and refers to one specific set of skills. Always ensure that the form matches the number of sets you're describing.

What is the difference between "skill sets" and "qualifications"?

"Skill sets" refer to specific abilities or competencies, while "qualifications" encompass a broader range of credentials, experiences, and accomplishments.