usable skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usable skills" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to skills that are practical and applicable in real-world situations or specific tasks. Example: "In today's job market, employers are looking for candidates with usable skills that can be immediately applied to their roles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Those displaced bring few usable skills for surviving in the already overburdened cities to which they have flocked -- places like Cartagena, Bogota, Medellin and Cali.

The New York Times

The sudden absorption of tens of thousands of people, however, especially when those people have little education or usable skills, is bound to be a burden.

The New York Times

As for advice on jobs, Cecil Hemingway, the United States retirement practice leader with Aon Consulting, said: "Your best defense, whether you're ready for retirement or not, is you have to be sure that you have valuable, usable skills.

The New York Times

In terms of teaching usable skills, Play School probably wasn't a core text – that was for shows like Hunter and The Curiosity Show – but in between learning how to make a crocodile out of an egg carton and memorising the lyrics of On The Ning Nang Nong, Play School provided a uniquely Australian and endearingly eccentric template for life.

The Guardian - Opinion

In virtually every part of American life, the development of usable skills and knowledge is essential.

Evaluation and Program Planning

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

College students today should not solely focus on simply majoring in something but picking up a minor (or a usable skill learned outside of school).

Huffington Post

Anderson's review backs Cameron's notion that encryption should not be an ultimate barrier to security agencies  — arguing that the power to "intercept a particular communication" or "track a particular individual" "needs to exist", although he also qualifies this by saying such a power might only be usable "where skill or trickery can provide a way around the obstacle".

TechCrunch

The policy restrictions, intended to favour migrants with skills immediately usable in the labour market, included higher language proficiency requirements as well as higher weight attached to other employability factors namely occupational skills, education and age.

IZA Journal of Migration

But the power to do so needs to exist, even if it is only usable in cases where skill or trickery can provide a way around the obstacle.

TechCrunch

This approach is more likely to motivate students to develop a usable knowledge foundation and problem-solving skills, and it should also facilitate the development of their metacognitive skills (NRC, 2000).

CBE Life Sciences Education

As much as he would have liked to have found something like the royal treasury, Dr. Ramage wrote, "This offers more of a challenge than admiring the superb finish or awesome weight of the worked products, because one can now wonder at the imagination required to bring the unlikely-looking raw material to a usable form, and at the skill required to produce gold of an almost perfect fineness".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skills, be specific. Instead of saying someone has "usable skills", specify the particular skills that make them valuable, such as data analysis, project management, or coding.

Common error

Avoid using "usable skills" as a vague catch-all term. Always provide concrete examples of what these skills entail to demonstrate proficiency and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usable skills" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "usable" modifies the noun "skills". This phrase is used to describe the nature or quality of skills, emphasizing their practicality and applicability. As Ludwig AI states, it denotes skills that are valuable and readily applicable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "usable skills" refers to abilities that are practical and applicable in real-world scenarios. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, indicating its relevance across different domains. When using this phrase, it's essential to be specific about the skills you are referring to, avoiding vague generalities. Consider alternative phrases like "practical abilities" or "applicable skills" to add variety to your writing. Emphasizing these "relevant skills" can be a valuable asset in career and personal development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical abilities

Focuses on the practicality of the skills.

applicable skills

Emphasizes the relevance and applicability of the skills.

valuable skills

Highlights the worth and importance of the skills.

relevant skills

Implies that the skills are pertinent to a specific situation or task.

marketable skills

Focuses on the demand for the skills in the job market.

functional skills

Highlights skills that are necessary for everyday tasks or work.

transferable skills

Suggests skills that can be used in different contexts.

employable skills

Emphasizes the skills that make someone suitable for employment.

job-ready skills

Focuses on the skills needed to start working immediately.

hands-on skills

Highlights skills that require practical application and experience.

FAQs

How can I improve my "usable skills" for the job market?

Focus on acquiring skills that are in high demand in your industry. Consider taking courses or certifications to enhance your knowledge and demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.

What are some examples of "usable skills" in a technology-driven environment?

Examples include programming languages, data analysis, cloud computing, and digital marketing. These skills are highly valued in today's tech industry.

How do "usable skills" differ from theoretical knowledge?

"Usable skills" refer to the practical application of knowledge, while theoretical knowledge is the understanding of concepts without necessarily knowing how to apply them. The former is generally more valued in practical settings like workplaces.

Which is better to highlight on a resume, "usable skills" or years of experience?

Both are important, but highlighting "relevant skills" that align with the job description can often be more impactful than simply stating years of experience. Focus on showing how your skills can directly contribute to the company's goals.