strong suit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to semi-formal. Common in business, personal development, and everyday conversational contexts. Not typically used in highly technical or legal writing.
Quick answer
What does “strong suit” mean?
An activity or skill at which someone is exceptionally proficient.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An activity or skill at which someone is exceptionally proficient; a particular advantage or strength.
A field, subject, or personal quality where one consistently excels or holds a competitive edge. It often implies a natural aptitude or a highly developed competence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical in meaning and frequency. The card-game metaphor is universally understood.
Connotations
Slightly more common in business and management contexts in American English. In British English, it may be perceived as a mild idiom.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English, but well-established in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “strong suit” in a Sentence
[Possessive Pronoun/Name] + strong suit + is/was + [Noun Phrase/Gerund][Subject] + make/makes + [something] + [Possessive] strong suitVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In negotiations, detailed contract analysis is her strong suit.
Academic
The researcher's strong suit was his meticulous statistical methodology.
Everyday
Cooking isn't really my strong suit; I'm better at cleaning up afterwards.
Technical
For this processor, energy efficiency is its strong suit, not raw computational power.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strong suit”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “strong suit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strong suit”
- Using plural 'strong suits' in the fixed idiom (incorrect: 'My strong suits are...' - though this is increasingly accepted, purists prefer the singular). Confusing with 'strong suite' (a common misspelling based on homophony).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, the idiom is used in the singular ('is my strong suit'). While 'strong suits' is sometimes heard and understood, it is often considered a deviation from the standard fixed phrase. For formal writing, stick to the singular.
The correct term is 'strong suit', derived from card games. 'Strong suite' is a frequent misspelling (an 'eggcorn') because 'suit' and 'suite' sound identical. 'Suite' refers to a set of rooms or software, and is incorrect here.
They are close synonyms. 'Forte' (from music, meaning 'loud') can sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned. 'Strong suit' is more conversational and explicitly metaphorical. Both mean a person's particular strength.
It is very common. The structure is: '[Gerund Phrase] + is/was + [Possessive] + strong suit.' Example: 'Navigating bureaucratic paperwork is her strong suit.'
An activity or skill at which someone is exceptionally proficient.
Strong suit is usually neutral to semi-formal. common in business, personal development, and everyday conversational contexts. not typically used in highly technical or legal writing. in register.
Strong suit: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstrɒŋ ˈsuːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstrɔːŋ ˈsuːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Play to your strengths (similar concept)”
- “Ace up one's sleeve (implies a hidden advantage)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a suit of cards (like in bridge or poker). Your 'strong suit' is the set of cards (e.g., all hearts) where you hold the best, most powerful hand.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/ABILITIES ARE A CARD GAME. A person's skills are the hand they are dealt, and their best skill is their 'strong suit' of cards.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'strong suit' INCORRECTLY?