SpeakUp

Grammar fix

basic skill

essential ability

A simple or necessary ability that everyone should have to do everyday tasks or start learning something new.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Reading is a basic skill that every child learns at school.daily life
  • In my opinion, computer literacy is a basic skill nowadays because most jobs require at least some knowledge of technology.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: basic skill (in something) | basic skill to do something

WrongYou need the basics skills.

RightYou need the basic skills.

'Basic' is an adjective — no plural ('basics' is a noun).

Patternbasic skill (in something) | basic skill to do something

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Proficiency in fundamental competencies is essential.

Natural You need a few basic skills.

'Fundamental competencies' is HR-speak; 'basic skills' is the everyday phrase.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • basic skills
    learnessentialdeveloplack

Don't confuse it

Unlike 'advanced skill', 'basic skill' refers to abilities that are simple and fundamental.

Try it in Daily Speak →