basic skill — essential ability
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A simple or necessary ability that everyone should have to do everyday tasks or start learning something new.
Say it like a native
Textbook Proficiency in fundamental competencies is essential.
Native You need a few basic skills.
'Fundamental competencies' is HR-speak; 'basic skills' is the everyday phrase.
Pattern: basic skill (in something) | basic skill to do something
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ You need the basics skills.
✓ You need the basic skills.
'Basic' is an adjective — no plural ('basics' is a noun).
Common collocations
basic skills— learn, essential, develop, lack
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'advanced skill', 'basic skill' refers to abilities that are simple and fundamental.