underlying skill

USAGE SUMMARY

'Underlying skill' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular ability or knowledge that is not immediately obvious but is necessary for doing something else. For example: "The ability to think critically is an underlying skill necessary for success in mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

PIAAC adopts a logistic model with two parameters, one reflecting the difficulty of the task and one measuring how well the task discriminates among respondents along the underlying skill.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

This level of decomposition is critical from the perspective of ITS design as the ITS must have the ability to determine which underlying skill components are contributing to overall performance in order to provide appropriate tailored training content and support to the trainee.

International Journal of STEM Education

This type of compensation implies that there may be alternative ways to cope with problems that are involved in literacy performance, resulting in better performance at the outcome level than would be predicted based on the deficient underlying skill.

Annals of Dyslexia

"Gifted managers from outside an industry," Professor Useem said, "can indeed come in and perform extremely well if they bring an underlying skill set that the enterprise needs at the moment".

The New York Times

Her raunchiness is on proud display – with her band, the Tender Moments, she released an album called Pound It!, and her Comedy Central special was titled Gynecological Wonder – but she possess an underlying skill as a joke writer, making her shows a perfect mix of cleverness and chaotic fun.

The Guardian

Data from experimental animals provided crucial information on plausible cellular and molecular substrates contributing to brain reorganization underlying skill acquisition in humans.

Neuron

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"The students in them are often lacking basic, underlying skills, so they don't have the means to express themselves".

The New York Times

Gaining underlying skills and knowledge is often an afterthought and it shouldn't be.

The New York Times

We are learning about neural networks' underlying skills and how they are shaped by genetic variation and early experience.

Independent

They can't be taught to read before they have the basic underlying skills and concepts that children are ready to absorb in the preschool years.

The New York Times

While we are just now reaching the quarter mark of the season, resulting in a sample that should still mostly be considered small, the following players have displayed a striking enough change in underlying skills that has increased or decreased their value significantly since the March drafts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex tasks, explicitly identify the "underlying skill" required for successful execution to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that individuals automatically possess the necessary "underlying skill". Clearly assess and address any skill gaps to ensure effective performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying skill" functions as a noun phrase, where "underlying" modifies the noun "skill". It describes a fundamental ability or competence that supports more complex actions or knowledge. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underlying skill" denotes a foundational ability essential for broader competence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various domains, especially in scientific, news, and business contexts. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, its clear meaning and neutral-to-formal tone make it a valuable term. To ensure clarity, explicitly state the underlying skill when discussing complex tasks, and avoid assuming universal possession of these skills. Related phrases such as "fundamental ability" or "core competency" can serve as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental ability

Focuses on the basic and essential nature of the skill.

core competency

Highlights the essential capabilities and strengths.

basic proficiency

Emphasizes the elementary level of skill required.

foundational knowledge

Stresses the knowledge aspect that supports the skill.

essential capability

Underscores the necessary abilities for a task.

latent talent

Implies a hidden or undeveloped skill.

inherent aptitude

Suggests a natural inclination or ability.

primary expertise

Focuses on the main area of specialized knowledge.

intrinsic competence

Highlights the inherent or natural capabilities.

key attribute

Emphasizes the importance of the skill as a characteristic.

FAQs

How can I improve my "underlying skill"?

Focus on targeted training and practice that specifically addresses the foundational aspects of the skill. Seek feedback and mentorship to identify areas for improvement.

What are some examples of an "underlying skill"?

Examples include critical thinking for problem-solving, emotional intelligence for leadership, and basic literacy for effective communication.

Which is more important, surface knowledge or the "underlying skill"?

While surface knowledge is useful, the "underlying skill" provides a deeper, more adaptable understanding. The ability to apply knowledge and solve problems effectively is key.

What's the difference between "underlying skill" and "specific skill"?

An "underlying skill" is a foundational ability that supports other skills, while a "specific skill" is a targeted ability applied to a particular task.