skillfully written

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skillfully written" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a piece of writing that demonstrates a high level of skill in its composition, style, or technique. Example: "The novel was skillfully written, capturing the reader's attention from the very first page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The music, though skillfully written, is safe, tame and eager to please.

The New York Times - Arts

Although not highly original, the music is skillfully written and personal.

The New York Times - Arts

The stories are imaginative and skillfully written, but their quality varies widely and the links between them are often confusing.

The New Yorker

It is skillfully written to show off the mid to upper (but not too upper) range of the tenor's voice, which still sounds rich and burnished.

The New York Times - Arts

Their story is told in songs that are skillfully written but, like his characters, are on the generic side (1 25).

The New York Times

Throughout this skillfully written piece the four vocalists punctuate their singing with sounds from a few instruments, including a drum and a sea conch.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

And he has made the Weingarden — which Donal Henahan of The New York Times described in his review of that debut recital as "skillfully but shallowly written for the piano in many recent idioms" — the main offering on the new-music disc, because he still believes in it.

The New York Times - Arts

Carter, however, has produced a page-turner, skillfully plotted and elegantly written, complete with murder, conspiracy, secret codes and political intrigue.

The New York Times - Books

For the disaffected protagonist of this skillfully plotted and engagingly written novel, the search for the secret of invisibility leads to painful but ultimately liberating self-knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

Unfortunately for Ms. Collette, the roles of Tara's children are so deftly written and skillfully played that they undermine her own star turn — Tara has four personalities and is one-dimensional in all of them.

The New York Times - Arts

Beautifully written and skillfully directed by Michael French, Macklin's play gives Ross a beautiful opportunity to create another complex, layered, and deeply frustrated character.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skillfully written" to positively highlight the quality of writing, whether you're referring to novels, scripts, or reports. It subtly implies that the writing is not just adequate, but demonstrates a high degree of competence.

Common error

Avoid using "skillfully written" as a standalone compliment without explaining what makes the writing skillful. Instead of simply stating "the essay was skillfully written", specify the particular strengths, such as "the essay was skillfully written, particularly in its use of metaphor and vivid imagery".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skillfully written" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the quality of a written work, indicating that it is executed with expertise and competence. Ludwig confirms that this is a valid and positive descriptor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

30%

Books

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3.33%

Science & Research

3.33%

Wiki

3.33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skillfully written" is a phrase used to describe the high quality and expertise demonstrated in a piece of writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, from novels and scripts to reports and reviews. It's a versatile and positive descriptor suitable for formal and informal settings, though it’s important to specify what makes the writing skillful, rather than using it as a standalone compliment. Alternatives like "expertly crafted" or "masterfully composed" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Arts, and Book reviews, indicating its prevalence in discussions about writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Expertly crafted

Focuses on the high level of expertise involved in the writing.

Masterfully composed

Emphasizes the skillful arrangement and structure of the writing.

Adroitly penned

Highlights the writer's dexterity and skill in writing.

Deftly constructed

Stresses the clever and skillful way the writing is put together.

Artfully created

Implies a creative and artistic approach to the writing.

Competently written

Indicates a satisfactory level of skill and competence in the writing.

Finely wrought

Emphasizes the delicate and careful crafting of the writing.

Well-executed writing

Focuses on the successful implementation of writing techniques.

Professionally written

Highlights the professional quality and standards of the writing.

Gracefully written

Stresses the elegance and smoothness of the writing style.

FAQs

How can I use "skillfully written" in a sentence?

You can use "skillfully written" to describe any piece of writing that demonstrates a high level of expertise. For example, "The novel was "skillfully written", captivating readers from start to finish."

What are some synonyms for "skillfully written"?

Alternatives to "skillfully written" include "expertly crafted", "masterfully composed", or "adroitly penned". Each emphasizes a different aspect of proficient writing.

Is "skillfully written" formal or informal?

"Skillfully written" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a neutral term that can be used in reviews, critiques, or general discussions about writing quality.

What does it mean when something is described as "skillfully written"?

When something is described as "skillfully written", it means that the writing is not only grammatically correct but also demonstrates expertise in style, structure, and technique. It implies that the author has effectively used language to achieve their intended purpose.