Meaning & use
technical skills
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Meanings
nounplural
The abilities and knowledge needed to do practical tasks in a particular job, especially those involving technology, science, or machinery.
Grammar: Always used in the plural when talking about a group of abilities; use the singular 'technical skill' for one specific ability.
Patterns
- technical skills in something
- technical skills for something
- have/develop/require technical skills
The job requires strong technical skills in programming and data analysis.
She improved her technical skills by taking an online course.
Employers look for both technical skills and communication skills.
nounplural
The specific abilities needed to operate equipment or use special methods in a sport, art, or profession.
Grammar: Often used with 'the' when referring to a known set of abilities.
Patterns
- the technical skills of something
- technical skills required for something
The technical skills of a surgeon take years to master.
Playing the violin well demands great technical skills.
Word forms
| singular | technical skill |
|---|
Common combinations
- develop technical skills
- You can develop technical skills through practice and training.
- strong technical skills
- She has strong technical skills in web development.
- technical skills gap
- Many companies complain about a technical skills gap among new graduates.
- technical skills training
- The factory offers technical skills training to all new employees.
Synonyms and how they differ
- hard skills
- Focuses on measurable, job-specific abilities; 'technical skills' is a broader term that can include knowledge of methods, not just hands-on abilities.
- expertise
- Suggests a high level of knowledge or skill in a field; 'technical skills' often refers to more practical, hands-on abilities.
Opposites
Word family
- technical adjective
- Relating to the practical or mechanical side of an activity or job.
- technically adverb
- In a way that relates to technical methods or details.
- technician noun
- A person whose job involves practical technical work.
Commonly confused: technical skills or technological skills?
technical skills vs technological skills
Technological skills specifically involve using technology; technical skills can refer to any specialized practical abilities, even without technology.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'technical skills' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 2 uses the plural noun phrase correctly as the object of 'requires'. Option 1 is wrong because 'a technical skill' would be needed for a singular countable use. Option 3 uses the phrase as an adjective, which is incorrect. Option 4 has a missing verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “technical skills”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.