a hands-on experience

USAGE SUMMARY

"a hands-on experience" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a practical, experiential learning experience in which people get to practice a skill directly rather than read about it or watch someone else do it. For example: "This program provides students with a hands-on experience of the principles of chemistry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It is one thing to write a check," he said, "But this is a hands-on experience".

The New York Times

It has become a hands-on experience as well.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was a hands-on experience that stayed with me," she says.

The New York Times

"It's important for these kids to have a hands-on experience," she said.

The New York Times - Food

This represents a new way of thinking: rare books should be a hands-on experience.

The New York Times

Thirteen miles south in San Jose, the Tech Museum of Innovation offers a hands-on experience for younger visitors.

The New York Times - Travel

Speaking Out With their sleek design and touch screen interfaces, many new phones seem geared toward a hands-on experience.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The casino lab at the college, complete with roulette wheels, poker and blackjack tables plus slot machines, simulates real casino atmosphere giving a hands on experience to budding croupiers and dealers.

The Guardian - Money

We'll be getting a test version of the printer and service and will post a more lengthy review after a hands on experience.

TechCrunch

The FFD meeting offered a hands on experience in the development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as I and other Rise Up girl leaders spoke with delegates, ambassadors, local and international ministers and policy makers, UN officials, all of whom had a say in the negotiation, development and approval of the SDGs.

Huffington Post

The participants were also given one of the tasks in the manual with the purpose to give the teachers a "hands on" experience with the programme, and to inspire for discussion.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hands-on experience" to emphasize the active and practical nature of an activity, especially when contrasting it with theoretical or passive learning.

Common error

While "a hands-on experience" is widely accepted, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "practical involvement" or "experiential learning" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hands-on experience" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It highlights the practical and active nature of an experience. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hands-on experience" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase emphasizing active participation and practical engagement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various settings. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "practical involvement" or "experiential learning". This phrase effectively communicates the value of direct involvement in learning and activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hands-on training

More specific to the professional training but still focusing on the practical aspects.

Experiential learning

Specifically refers to learning through experience, suitable in educational contexts.

Active engagement

Highlights the energetic and involved nature of the experience, but is more generic.

Direct participation

Emphasizes the immediate and active engagement in an activity.

Practical involvement

Focuses on the active involvement in a task, omitting the experiential aspect.

Immersive exercise

Highlights a deep, engaging experience, typically within a controlled setting.

Participatory activity

Highlights active participation but may lack the depth of experience.

Tactile engagement

Suggests interaction through touch, limiting the scope to physical experiences.

Real-world application

Focuses on applying knowledge in practical situations, differing from general experience.

On-the-job training

Specifically refers to training received while working, more specific in context.

FAQs

How can I describe the benefits of "a hands-on experience"?

You can highlight that it fosters deeper understanding, improves skill retention, and promotes active engagement compared to passive learning methods. It allows individuals to learn by doing, leading to a more comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.

What's a good example of "a hands-on experience" in education?

A science lab where students conduct experiments, a coding workshop where they build software, or a culinary class where they prepare dishes are all excellent examples of "a hands-on experience". These activities involve active participation and direct application of knowledge.

Is "a hands-on experience" better than theoretical learning?

Neither is inherently better; they complement each other. "A hands-on experience" enhances theoretical knowledge by providing practical application. Theory provides the foundation, while practice solidifies understanding and develops skills.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a hands-on experience"?

Use "a hands-on experience" when you want to emphasize the practical and active nature of an activity or learning opportunity. It's suitable when direct involvement and skill development are key components. It is appropriate in many formal or informal situations.