thinking skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "thinking skills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone's ability to solve problems, analyze information, make decisions, and draw conclusions. For example: "Maria has excellent thinking skills; she was always able to come up with creative solutions to difficult problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Writing requires thinking skills.

The New York Times

Can you teach thinking skills?

The Guardian

Critical thinking skills arguably are.

The New York Times

I am referring to critical thinking skills.

The New York Times

It also improves critical thinking skills and, ultimately, productivity.

The Economist

It's hard to test thinking skills, and education needs tests.

The New York Times

How did they develop your writing, reading and thinking skills?

The New York Times

It's bright and colourful, and tests your lateral thinking skills.

The Guardian - Tech

"The test may not tap into thinking skills," he says.

The New York Times

Tests do not teach critical thinking skills or communication skills.

The New York Times

This process also promoted critical thinking skills.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific "thinking skills", be precise. For example, instead of saying "good thinking skills", specify whether you mean analytical, critical, or creative thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "thinking skills" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, identify and name the specific skills you're addressing, such as problem-solving, decision-making, or critical analysis, to provide more clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking skills" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the abilities and capacities related to cognitive processes. Ludwig's examples show its use in academic, professional, and general contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thinking skills" is a common and grammatically sound term referring to cognitive abilities essential for problem-solving, decision-making, and analysis. As shown by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts including science, news, and business. While versatile, it's best to be specific about which "thinking skills" are being addressed to avoid overgeneralization. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is perfectly correct and usable in written English, so feel free to use it!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cognitive abilities

Focuses on the mental processes involved in knowing, learning, and understanding.

reasoning capabilities

Emphasizes the ability to think logically and draw conclusions.

analytical skills

Highlights the ability to break down complex information and understand its components.

problem-solving skills

Focuses on the ability to find solutions to difficult or complex issues.

critical reasoning

Combines critical thinking with the ability to reason effectively.

intellectual capacities

Refers to the general potential for mental activity and understanding.

mental acuity

Highlights the sharpness and quickness of thought.

logical reasoning

Emphasizes the use of logic to solve problems and make decisions.

thought processes

Focuses on the specific steps and methods used in thinking.

cognitive competence

Refers to the overall ability to perform cognitive tasks effectively.

FAQs

How can I improve my "thinking skills"?

You can improve your "thinking skills" by engaging in activities that challenge your mind, such as solving puzzles, reading complex material, practicing critical analysis, and seeking out diverse perspectives.

What are some examples of "thinking skills"?

Examples of "thinking skills" include critical thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking, analytical reasoning, and decision-making.

How are "thinking skills" assessed?

"Thinking skills" can be assessed through various methods, including standardized tests, performance-based tasks, and observational assessments that evaluate a person's ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make sound judgments.

Are "thinking skills" and cognitive abilities the same?

While the terms are related, cognitive abilities refer to the general mental capacities of an individual, while "thinking skills" are specific applications of these abilities. You could use "cognitive abilities" to describe a broader range of mental functions.