whose skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whose skills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something or someone that is previously mentioned. For example: "The candidate, whose skills included marketing and finance, was offered the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a large segment of low-skilled workers whose skills are made redundant at an alarming rate.

Forbes

A worker whose skills are below the level required by the job is classified as under-skilled, a worker whose skills are above those required by the job is classified as over-skilled.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Ireland attracted back some of the departed, whose skills and networks acquired abroad fuelled the boom.

The Economist

The Egyptian artist, whose skills are best exemplified in sculpture, regarded himself essentially as a craftsman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Oasis dwellers, whose skills and goods complemented those of pastoralists, played important roles in steppe history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is no point conjuring up a character whose skills or style resemble existing characters.

The Guardian - Film

Consequently, Weldon is a writer whose skills benefit from the ballast of real life.

The New York Times - Books

Seek advice from those whose skills or career you wish to emulate.

The Guardian

Others end up at the mercy of well-meaning old hands whose skills have faded.

The New York Times

The Chinese company's technology identifies candidates whose skills meet employers' needs.

MIT Technology Review

Darrell Porter, whose skills as a catcher diminished with age, was released.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whose skills", ensure the possessive pronoun clearly refers to a specific noun previously mentioned to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The team, whose skills were diverse, completed the project successfully."

Common error

Avoid using "whose skills" in a way that leaves the reader unsure about which noun it refers to. A sentence like "Whose skills are needed for this project is unclear" should be revised to something like "We need to identify the individuals whose skills are needed for this project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose skills" functions as a possessive determiner followed by a noun, modifying a preceding noun phrase to specify possession of particular abilities. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, it commonly introduces a relative clause that provides additional information about someone's abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whose skills" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to specify the abilities possessed by a noun previously mentioned. As Ludwig shows, it appears most often in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. When using this phrase, ensure that the possessive pronoun has a clear antecedent to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "with corresponding abilities" or "possessing relevant expertise" can offer stylistic variation, which Ludwig AI confirms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possessing relevant expertise

Stresses the relevance and specialized knowledge of the skills, making it suitable for professional contexts.

having the requisite skills

Emphasizes the skills are necessary or required, adding a sense of essentiality.

showing applicable proficiencies

Highlights the demonstrated abilities with an emphasis on their use and relevance.

with matching competencies

Highlights competencies, a formal term for skills, suggesting a high level of expertise.

demonstrating appropriate capabilities

Shifts the focus to the demonstration of skills, implying a proven ability.

exhibiting pertinent know-how

Emphasizes practical knowledge and experience, suitable for technical or hands-on contexts.

with corresponding abilities

Focuses on abilities being in line with something, differing from general possession of skills.

with suitable qualifications

Replaces skills with qualifications, often used in formal or professional settings.

equipped with necessary talents

Uses "talents" instead of "skills", implying a natural aptitude.

whose aptitudes are fitting

Uses "aptitudes" instead of skills, suggesting an inherent capacity.

FAQs

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

Use "whose skills" to specify the skills possessed by a previously mentioned person or group. For example, "The applicant, "whose skills" included data analysis and project management, was hired immediately".

What are some alternatives to "whose skills"?

Alternatives include "with corresponding abilities", "having the requisite skills", or "possessing relevant expertise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each highlights slightly different aspects of the individual's capabilities.

Is it correct to say "who's skills" instead of "whose skills"?

No, "who's" is a contraction of "who is" or "who has", while "whose" is the possessive form. Therefore, "whose skills" is the correct form to use when indicating possession of skills.

What's the difference between "skills" and "expertise" when using "whose"?

"Skills" generally refers to acquired abilities, while "expertise" implies a higher level of specialized knowledge. You might say "a technician, "whose skills" include troubleshooting", but "a consultant, "whose expertise" lies in strategic planning".