skills about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skills about" is not a correct English grammar phrase.
You could use the phrases "skills in" or "skills for" in this context. Example: I have developed a variety of skills for understanding and solving difficult math problems.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Being in the Twins organization means daily questions about Joe, about his amazing skills, about what he was like when.

The New York Times - Sports

Many have taken jobs that do not make use of their skills; about only half of recent college graduates said that their first job required a college degree.

The New York Times

Whereas people who are 50-plus and have had an unfortunate marriage have learned a whole load of skills about having a good relationship.

Independent

Like his character in the now career-defining Taken movies, Liam Neeson has "a very particular set of skills" about which he seems increasingly unabashed.

The Guardian - Film

"In a school like ours, it's a tug of war between getting exam results and getting them into college, and teaching them life skills about how to engage in healthy relationships.

The Guardian

Implementation of protocol for hand washing, technical skills about the insertion of CVC, cleaning and maintenance of catheters.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

According to the 2012 Survey of Adult Skills, about 32% of 25- to 34-year-olds show upward mobility.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The use would allow educators to assess understanding and to help preservice elementary teachers improve their subject matter knowledge and their communication skills about mathematics.

Understanding Emotions in Mathematical Thinking and Learning

The results of the study illustrated that international trade game enhanced participants' knowledge and skills about international trade and students' motivation toward the game as well.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

"one of many hypotheses is that low learners lack specific skills about how to think, including general problem-solving strategies and meta-cognitive skills" (Chi and VanLehn 2010).

Smart Learning Environments

"The sooner you start, the easier it is to pass on both mechanical skills about managing money and your financial values".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abilities, use "skills in", "skills with", or "skills for" depending on the specific context to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, "skills in data analysis", "skills with project management software", or "skills for effective communication".

Common error

Avoid using "skills about" as it's grammatically incorrect. This phrase is often used when the intended meaning is "skills in" or "knowledge of". Always check your preposition usage when describing skills to maintain clarity and correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skills about" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition. However, it's often used incorrectly, as Ludwig AI indicates. The correct usage typically involves using prepositions like "in", "with", or "for" to accurately describe the area of expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "skills about" appears frequently in various sources, it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct alternatives include using prepositions like "in", "with", or "for" to accurately describe areas of expertise. Despite its common usage, particularly in scientific and news media, it's essential to use grammatically correct alternatives in formal and professional settings to maintain clarity and credibility. Correct usage enhances communication and avoids potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Skills in

Replaces "about" with the more grammatically correct preposition "in" to indicate areas of expertise.

Skills with

Uses "with" to denote competence when dealing with tools or techniques.

Skills for

Specifies skills intended for a particular purpose or task.

Expertise in

Highlights a high level of skill and specialized knowledge within a domain.

Proficiency in

Indicates a high degree of competence or mastery in a skill.

Competence in

Emphasizes the ability to perform tasks effectively and efficiently in a specific area.

Knowledge of

Shifts focus from practical abilities to the understanding of a subject.

Aptitude for

Suggests a natural talent or inclination towards developing skills in a particular field.

Talent for

Implies an inherent or natural ability to excel in a specific area.

Capabilities in

Focuses on the range and extent of abilities someone possesses in a given context.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the term "skills" in a sentence?

Use prepositions such as "in", "with", or "for" after "skills" to properly describe areas of expertise. For example, "skills "in" project management", "skills "with" data analysis tools", or "skills "for" effective communication".

What is a grammatically correct alternative to "skills about"?

Alternatives include "skills "in"", "skills "with"", or "knowledge of". The best choice depends on the specific context you're describing.

Is there a difference between "skills in" and "skills with"?

Yes. "Skills in" generally refers to areas of expertise or subjects, while "skills with" often refers to the tools or techniques one is proficient in using. For instance, "skills in marketing" versus "skills with social media platforms".

When should I use "knowledge of" instead of "skills in"?

"Knowledge of" is appropriate when referring to understanding a subject or concept, while "skills in" is used for practical abilities. For example, "knowledge of history" versus "skills in historical research".