use skill

USAGE SUMMARY

"use skill" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in the imperative form to give advice or instruction, and is often paired with other words or phrases to make the sentence more specific. Example sentence: "If you want to be successful, use your skills wisely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Male specialists said they have had to use skill and a little charm to win over female clients.

The New York Times

"It allows them to use skill and logic constructively and to plan ahead -- a skill they've tended not to have," he said.

The New York Times

"It is getting harder and harder to attack which is why teams are relying so much on power, something we [Japan] do not have which is why we have to use skill, running lines and combinations to break down defences.

The Guardian - Sport

The arts, also called fine arts, modes of expression that use skill or imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You use skill points to specialise your character (do you want to deal out damage or help your allies?) and the whole set-up is designed to encourage the sort off-the-cuff strategizing that adds depth to the multiplayer experience.

Independent

Here are the three main things The Independent recommends for Scottish students to do once they receive their results next week and plan to use Clearing: 1) Use Skill Development Scotland's Exam Results Helpline: The Exam Results Helpline will open on 4 August for Scottish students whose results are not what they expected them to be.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The Russians have more skills because you can use skills on this ice.

The New York Times - Sports

Much discussion has been devoted to why organizations might wish to use skill-based pay (e.g., its hypothesized effects on organizational outcomes and fit with organizational design and processes).

Human Resource Management Review

Use skills repeatedly to gain ranks in them, and gain character levels as you gain ranks.

Vice

If you want a wage, get a job that pays you to use skills you already have.

Vice

According to this model, people use skill- and rule-based methods of decision-making when the task is less complex and previous experience can help.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, follow "use skill" with a specific action or context to clarify how the skill should be applied. For example: "Use skill to solve the problem efficiently."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "use skill in all situations". Instead, specify the particular skill relevant to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use skill" primarily functions as an imperative, often serving as a directive or recommendation. Ludwig's examples show it used to advise actions, encourage strategy, or highlight the importance of applying expertise.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "use skill" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to advise or instruct someone to apply their abilities effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts like news, science, and wikis. While versatile, it's best paired with specific actions to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "employ expertise" or "apply proficiency" offer nuanced ways to express this concept. When writing, remember to specify the skill and context for clarity and impact. Ultimately, "use skill" encourages strategic thinking and the practical application of one's talents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

employ expertise

Replaces "skill" with "expertise", emphasizing specialized knowledge.

apply proficiency

Substitutes "skill" with "proficiency", highlighting competence.

exercise talent

Uses "talent" instead of "skill", suggesting an innate ability.

leverage ability

Emphasizes maximizing the impact of one's skill.

utilize competence

Focuses on the effective application of one's capabilities.

draw upon expertise

Highlights sourcing skills from an existing knowledge base.

tap into talent

Suggests accessing and using one's inherent abilities.

implement skill

Focuses on the practical application of a skill.

exploit competence

Implies using competence to one's advantage.

bring to bear expertise

Emphasizes the application of expertise to a specific situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively "use skill" in my daily life?

Identify your strengths and deliberately "apply proficiency" in relevant situations. For example, if you are skilled at communication, "leverage ability" to improve relationships.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "use skill"?

Depending on the context, you can substitute "use skill" with phrases such as "employ expertise", "apply proficiency", or "exercise talent".

Is it better to "use skill" or "develop skill"?

Both are important. "Develop skill" refers to improving one's abilities over time, while "use skill" focuses on applying existing abilities to achieve a specific goal.

When should I emphasize "use skill" versus relying on other factors?

Emphasize the "use skill" when facing challenges that require expertise, precision, or strategic thinking, rather than relying solely on luck or brute force.