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.
In my opinion, computer literacy is a basic skill nowadays because most jobs require at least some knowledge of technology.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: You need the basics skills.
Say: You need the basic skills.
'Basic' is an adjective — no plural ('basics' is a noun).
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Fundamental competencies' is HR-speak; 'basic skills' is the everyday phrase.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
basic skills
- learn
- essential
- develop
- lack