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Prepositions before nouns

Which prepositions are used with 'skill'?

The noun 'skill' is most commonly followed by in or at to describe an area of ability. Other prepositions may appear in different sentence structures.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with 'skill'

Skill in and skill at are the standard combinations for describing ability in an activity or subject. Skill with is used for handling tools, people, or materials. Skill for is uncommon and usually means natural talent. Of skill is not standard before the noun.

She showed great skill in negotiation.
He has remarkable skill at chess.
The surgeon demonstrated skill with delicate instruments.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
skill in + field or activity

Describing ability in a subject or activity

Use skill in before an area of knowledge, work, or activity.

Her skill in design impressed the team.
They value skill in communication.
2
skill at + activity

Talking about performance in an activity

Skill at is common before games, tasks, and practical activities.

He has great skill at cooking.
She showed skill at problem-solving.
3
skill with + tool or person

Talking about handling something effectively

Use skill with for tools, equipment, children, animals, or materials.

Her skill with children is impressive.
The artist has skill with colour.
4
skill for + role or task

Talking about natural suitability

Skill for is less common and usually refers to a natural ability suited to a purpose.

He has a skill for leadership.
She showed skill for diplomacy.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
skill in
Her skill in marketing helped the company grow.
Standard for knowledge, work, or fields of activity.
skill at
He showed skill at drawing.
Standard for tasks, games, and practical activities.
skill with
She has skill with computers.
Ability to handle tools, people, or materials.
skill for
He has a skill for negotiation.
Natural talent or suitability; less common.
of skill
They hired workers of great skill.
Possible after another noun phrase, but not a normal pattern directly before skill.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using 'of skill' as the main pattern

English normally uses skill in, skill at, or skill with.

✕ of skill in coding ✓ skill in coding

Confusing 'skill in' and 'skill with'

Use skill in for fields and skill with for tools or people.

✕ skill with mathematics ✓ skill in mathematics

Using 'on skill' before the noun

On is not a standard preposition directly linked to skill.

✕ skill on management ✓ skill in management

Using 'in skill' to mean talented

The noun usually comes first.

✕ She is in skill at music. ✓ She has skill at music.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She demonstrated great ___ data analysis.
2. The mechanic has excellent ___ engines.
3. He showed real ___ public speaking.

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Frequently asked questions

Is 'skill in' or 'skill at' more common?

Both are standard. Skill in often refers to fields or subjects, while skill at often refers to activities or tasks.

Can I say 'skill with people'?

Yes. Skill with is natural for handling people, tools, or materials effectively.

Is 'of skill' correct?

It is not the normal pattern before the noun. You may see phrases such as 'a person of skill', but not 'of skill' as the main combination.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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