What is skilled? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "skilled" effectively in English. It's a versatile word that describes someone's ability and expertise.

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

• Definition: "Skilled" means having or showing a high level of ability or expertise in a particular activity or area. It implies training and practice have led to proficiency.

• Common Constructions:

  • "A skilled [person/worker/athlete/artist]": This is the most frequent way to use it.

    • “She’s a skilled surgeon.” (She has received extensive medical training and is excellent at performing operations.)
    • “He’s a skilled carpenter.” (He’s practiced woodworking and builds things well.)
    • “Our team boasts a skilled athlete.” (The athlete has demonstrated excellent abilities in their sport.)

  • "Skilled at [activity]": This emphasizes the specific skill.

    • “She's skilled at playing the piano.”
    • “He’s skilled at problem-solving.”
    • “They’re skilled at negotiation.”

2. Different Shades of Meaning & Contexts:

• Technical Skills: Often used in professional contexts to describe expertise in a specific trade or job.

  • “A skilled electrician is crucial for maintaining the building’s electrical system.”

• Artistic Skills: Referring to talent and mastery in creative fields.

  • “The painter was praised for his skilled brushwork.”
  • “She has a skilled hand with clay.”

• General Ability & Aptitude: It can also describe a natural talent or a developed capacity for certain tasks.

  • “He's a naturally skilled communicator.” (Means he's good at talking and conveying ideas effectively.)

• Implies Effort & Training: “Skilled” suggests that someone has worked to develop their ability, not just that they're naturally gifted. (While "talented" is often used for innate ability, "skilled" usually implies dedication.)

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

Using synonyms can help you vary your language:

• Proficient: Very skilled and competent.
• Expert: Highly skilled and knowledgeable in a particular field.
• Competent: Having the necessary ability to do something successfully.
• Talented: Having a natural aptitude or skill. (Note: Talented often implies natural ability more strongly than skilled.)
• Masterful: Remarkably skilled and accomplished.
• Adept: Very skilled or proficient at something.

4. Examples in Sentences:

• “The chef is skilled at creating innovative and delicious dishes.”
• “The mechanic demonstrated his skilled ability to diagnose and repair the engine.”
• “She’s skilled in computer programming and development.”
• "With years of training, he became a skilled swordsman."
• "The company needs to hire more skilled technicians to keep up with the demand."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

• What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., a specific job, describing a hobby, writing a story, etc.)
• Are you trying to use “skilled” in a particular sentence? If so, please share it!