skill with

USAGE SUMMARY

"skill with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to express proficiency or ability in a particular skill or task. Example: She impressed her colleagues with her skill with numbers, easily solving complex mathematical problems. In order to excel in the culinary world, it is important to have skill with different cooking techniques and flavor combinations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Sports

Travel

Books

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We share that rare skill with parrots.

The New York Times - Science

SOME skill with physics was required.

The New York Times

A perfect example of Cera's skill with a comedy prop.

The Guardian - Film

The skill with which executives are walking this tightrope varies.

The New York Times

Mpongo viewed the European players' skill with equanimity.

The New Yorker

But O'Neal countered Iverson's skill with raw force.

The New York Times - Sports

Discusses Kravinsky's skill with numbers and his love of ratios.

The New Yorker

It also reveals much about his skill with music.

The New York Times - Arts

And its skill with multiple apps running simultaneously.

Independent

The real mystery goes beyond the skill with which fripperies of dress are depicted.

The Guardian - Arts

As an adult, it became her trademark and her skill, with a truly colossal output.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "skill with" to highlight their competence in a specific area. For instance, "Her skill with data analysis was crucial to the project's success."

Common error

While 'skill at' and 'skill in' can be used, "skill with" is often more appropriate when referring to proficiency in using a tool or technique. For example, prefer "skill with a knife" over "skill in knife usage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skill with" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically describing the degree of competence or expertise someone possesses in relation to a particular tool, technique, or subject. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

12%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Travel

3%

Books

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "skill with" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to express proficiency or competence in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It’s suitable for various registers, from news and media to more formal business or academic contexts. When using the phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. While similar phrases like "proficiency with" or "expertise with" exist, "skill with" maintains a balanced tone and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expertise with

Signifies specialized knowledge or skill.

proficiency with

Focuses on competence and mastery in a particular area.

prowess with

Emphasizes exceptional ability or expertise.

dexterity with

Emphasizes physical coordination and adeptness.

competence with

Focuses on the ability to perform a task adequately.

technique with

Highlights the method or procedure used skillfully.

talent with

Highlights innate ability or natural aptitude.

fluency with

Suggests ease and grace in handling something.

aptitude for

Indicates a natural inclination or talent.

familiarity with

Suggests knowledge and experience with something.

FAQs

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

Use "skill with" to describe someone's proficiency or competence in handling a specific tool, technique, or subject. For example, "His skill with negotiation helped close the deal."

What are some alternatives to "skill with"?

You can use alternatives like "proficiency with", "expertise with", or "talent with" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "skill at" instead of "skill with"?

While "skill at" is grammatically correct, "skill with" is often more appropriate when referring to competence in using a specific tool, method, or technique. For instance, "She demonstrated great skill at problem-solving", but "He has excellent skill with a camera."

What's the difference between "skill with" and "knowledge of"?

"Skill with" implies competence and practical ability in using something, while "knowledge of" simply indicates understanding or awareness. You might have knowledge of a software, but skill with using it effectively.