uncommon skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncommon skills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe abilities or talents that are rare or not frequently encountered in a particular context or field. Example: "Her uncommon skills in data analysis set her apart from other candidates during the hiring process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The 24-year-old mailman cashed out anyway, banking on his uncommon skills for noticing, listening and transforming it all into poetry set to music.

The New York Times - Arts

To counteract what it knew would be the destabilizing impact of the visit, the Party sent out a desperate, secret memorandum to the nation's schoolteachers: **{:.break one} ** The Pope is our enemy.... Due to his uncommon skills and great sense of humor he is dangerous, because he charms everyone, especially journalists.

The New Yorker

Credit is given to Lloyd George's uncommon skills as a negotiator (his first great achievement, as president of the Board of Trade in Campbell-Bannerman's 1906 Liberal cabinet, was to broker a deal between angry rail unions and 17 irate company chairmen).

The Guardian - Books

January 15 2016 January 16 201616 Hersch has showcased his uncommon skills as a pianist and composer in settings as spare as solo recitals and as capacious as outsized ensembles, but the duo set up remains one of his sweet spots.

The New Yorker

To counteract what it knew would be the destabilizing impact of the visit, the Party sent out a desperate, secret memorandum to the nation's schoolteachers: The Pope is our enemy.... Due to his uncommon skills and great sense of humor he is dangerous, because he charms everyone, especially journalists.

The New Yorker

During his NBA career, Barkley was a constant mismatch because he possessed a set of very uncommon skills and could play in a variety of positions.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In fact the librettists, Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, interweave two stories with uncommon skill.

The Guardian

That uncommon skill might have been ripe for a new kind of Fox reality show.

The New York Times - Arts

It will take uncommon skill for him to stop it falling.

The Economist

Apart from his uncommon skill at devising dense, multilayered plots, Mankell's forte is matching mood to setting and subject.

The New York Times - Books

He trained at first in the gym of a local police officer named Joe Martin and, even as a teen-ager, he showed uncommon skill.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's strengths, use "uncommon skills" to emphasize that their abilities are rare and valuable.

Common error

Avoid using "uncommon skills" to describe ordinary abilities. Reserve this phrase for truly exceptional or rare talents to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncommon skills" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "skills". It highlights that the skills being discussed are not typical or widely possessed. This usage is supported by Ludwig, indicating its acceptability and clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncommon skills" is a phrase used to describe abilities or talents that are rare or not frequently encountered. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, primarily in news and media and on wikis, indicating its neutral to professional register. Alternatives such as "rare abilities" or "unique talents" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the exceptional nature of the skills to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare abilities

Emphasizes the infrequency of the skills.

unique talents

Highlights the distinctiveness of the skills.

exceptional capabilities

Stresses the high level of skill.

distinctive skills

Focuses on the skills being easily distinguishable from others.

specialized expertise

Implies a narrow and deep focus of skill.

unparalleled proficiency

Highlights a level of skill that is unmatched.

remarkable aptitudes

Emphasizes a natural talent or inclination for the skills.

singular abilities

Focuses on the uniqueness and individuality of the skills.

atypical skill set

Highlights a combination of skills that is not commonly found.

extraordinary talents

Stresses the exceptional nature of the talents.

FAQs

How can I use "uncommon skills" in a sentence?

You can say, "Her "uncommon skills" in negotiation made her an invaluable asset to the team", or "The candidate's "uncommon skills" set him apart from the other applicants".

What are some alternatives to "uncommon skills"?

Some alternatives include "rare abilities", "unique talents", or "exceptional capabilities", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "uncommon skills"?

Use "uncommon skills" when referring to abilities or talents that are not frequently encountered or are exceptionally developed compared to the average person in a particular field.

What's the difference between "uncommon skills" and "specialized expertise"?

"Uncommon skills" refers to a broader range of rare or exceptional abilities, while "specialized expertise" implies a deep and focused knowledge or skill within a specific area.