acquire know-how

USAGE SUMMARY

"acquire know-how" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to gaining skills or knowledge in a particular area. For example, "He attended workshops and lectures to acquire know-how in marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In a nearly successful end run around the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, Iraq used a legal civilian nuclear energy program as a decoy to acquire know-how and materials for bomb making.

The New York Times

As people acquire know-how that they can share cheaply with others and develop technologies that allow them to spread their goods and ideas over larger territories at lower cost, their incentive to cooperate steadily increases, because other people become more valuable alive than dead.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nowadays, in the context of CO2 reduction and gas turbine fuel flexibility, the interest in acquiring know-how on lean Hydrogen Enriched Natural Gas (HENG) is growing.

Combustion and Flame

To keep the costs of knowledge transfer low, they considered trying to codify the acquired know-how.

Harvard Business Review

But it is done there not so much to make money, nor even to bar others from using the acquired know-how.

The Economist

In acquiring know-how from abroad, protecting its infant industries, and using the levers of the state to hasten development, it is following a blueprint that most other developed countries used at some point — from Britain, to the United States, to Japan, to Taiwan and South Korea, to India.

The New Yorker

He has even stressed following "global trends" by reaching out to other countries and using the Internet to acquire technological know-how from overseas.

The New York Times

Training programs in Hong Kong now provide opportunities for would-be watchmakers to acquire Swiss know-how and a sprinkling of new brands, such as The Chinese Timekeeper, are taking to the international market.

The New York Times

By so doing, it would help prevent political turmoil and win strategic influence in the region.In America, the article suggested, China should buy up businesses in order to acquire sophisticated know-how.

The Economist

But Beijing's concerted effort at home and abroad to acquire foreign know-how already sounded the alarm in Washington.

Forbes

The Transition Town Berea group holds monthly "reskilling" workshops to help locals acquire the know-how to grow their own food, weatherize their houses, and install solar panels.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "acquire know-how" in a new field, prioritize hands-on experience alongside theoretical learning. Practical application solidifies understanding and reveals nuances not always apparent in textbooks.

Common error

Avoid using "know-how" interchangeably with "knowledge". "Know-how" implies practical expertise and the ability to apply knowledge effectively, not just possessing the information itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire know-how" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the process of gaining practical skills and expertise. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound and used to describe gaining skills or knowledge in a particular area. This aligns with the examples found, where the phrase is used to describe learning technical expertise.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquire know-how" is a grammatically correct and professionally acceptable phrase that describes the process of gaining practical skills and expertise. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When using the phrase, remember that it emphasizes practical application and should not be confused with simply gaining knowledge. Consider alternatives like "gain expertise" or "develop proficiency" depending on the desired emphasis. By understanding its nuances and using it accurately, you can effectively communicate the development of practical abilities in various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain expertise

Focuses more on the result of acquiring knowledge, which is becoming an expert.

develop proficiency

Highlights the process of improving skills over time, emphasizing competence.

build competence

Emphasizes the construction of a solid foundation of skills and knowledge.

cultivate skills

Suggests a more nurturing and gradual development of abilities.

obtain mastery

Implies achieving a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area.

secure understanding

Focuses on obtaining a clear and thorough grasp of a subject.

learn the ropes

An idiomatic expression referring to learning the basics of a job or activity.

pick up the knack

Suggests intuitively learning a skill or technique.

assimilate knowledge

Highlights the integration of new information into one's existing understanding.

gather intelligence

Focuses on collecting information for a specific purpose or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "acquire know-how" in a sentence?

You can use "acquire know-how" to describe the process of gaining practical skills or expertise in a particular area. For example, "The company invested in training programs to help its employees "acquire know-how" in data analytics."

What are some alternatives to "acquire know-how"?

Alternatives to "acquire know-how" include "gain expertise", "develop proficiency", or "build competence". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "acquire know-how" or "gain knowledge"?

While both phrases relate to learning, "acquire know-how" emphasizes practical skills and the application of knowledge, whereas "gain knowledge" simply refers to obtaining information. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific learning outcome.

What's the difference between "know-how" and "knowledge"?

"Know-how" is the practical ability to do something smoothly and efficiently. "Knowledge" is theoretical understanding. You can "gain knowledge" from books, but you "acquire know-how" through practice and experience.