"Skills": Is It Plural or Singular?
September 15, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Language
Is skills plural or singular? Clarify whether the word "skills" is considered plural or singular in English, and how to use it correctly in sentences.
Is skills plural or singular?
The word "skills" is plural. It refers to more than one skill or a set of abilities or competencies. For example:
- He has excellent communication skills.
- They possess a variety of technical skills.
- Developing these skills takes time and practice.
In each of these sentences, "skills" is used in a plural form because it represents multiple abilities or competencies. If you were referring to a single skill, you would use the singular form, which is "skill."
The noun "skill" can be both plural and singular, depending on the context.
Singular:
- She has a lot of skill in playing the violin.
- It takes skill to be a good teacher.
- The job requires skill and experience.
Plural:
- She has many skills, including playing the violin, writing poetry, and speaking three languages.
- The company is looking for employees with a variety of skills.
- He developed new skills during his time in the military.
Which one to use?
- Use the singular form when referring to a general ability or aptitude. For example, "He has a lot of skill."
- Use the plural form when referring to specific abilities or areas of expertise. For example, "She has many skills, including playing the violin and writing poetry."
Here are some more examples:
- Singular:
- He has a skill for fixing cars.
- It takes skill to play that piece of music.
- She is a skilled writer.
- Plural:
- He has many skills, including cooking, gardening, and playing the guitar.
- The company is looking for employees with a variety of skills, such as computer programming, customer service, and sales experience.
- She developed new skills, such as leadership and teamwork, during her time in the military.
