acquire language skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire language skills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of learning or developing proficiency in a language. Example: "Children have a remarkable ability to acquire language skills at a young age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I don't have anything scientific — it's very subjective — but we all realize that as kids acquire language skills and a comfort level, and they understand instruction better, their ability to adapt and progress in the minor leagues is accelerated".

The New York Times - Sports

"Libraries like Chicago's, which have been in the lead in the country, have become strong community centers — helping new immigrants become citizens, acquire language skills, get advice on filling out city forms," Mr. Feldstein said.

The New York Times

The desired solution should help her acquire language skills, both in writing and (artificial) speaking.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

They conclude that "slower productivity growth may be the result of the gradual process of assimilation for many immigrants; the negative effect on productivity growth may disappear as immigrants acquire language skills and familiarity with U.S. labor market institutions".

IZA Journal of Migration

The purpose of this study is to show the connection between the L2 motivational self system and the anxiety Japanese undergraduate students feel towards English language learning in this education system which is in constant reform, and how the connections mediate their ability to acquire language skills.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

And like other Babbel courses, learners also have access to a personal Review Manager to help them stay on track and acquire language skills in the long term, along with Pronunciation Training via real-time speech recognition using Adobe Flash, which as we've noted before, potentially pits the service up against more traditional players such as TellMeMore or Rosetta Stone.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In areas, especially in remote areas that do not have preschools, NGOs such as PACOS or local communities provide some form of preschool education to help children acquire language skill as well as develop motor and social skills.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Their little boy, Ev, was acquiring language skills all the time his father was losing them: the juxtaposition made the familiar magic of child development especially poignant and astonishing.

The Guardian - Books

The sites give learners the ability to create relationships with other learners, and use their newly acquired language skills with native speakers.

TechCrunch

For younger children who have not yet acquired language skills, a "Mood Mirror" is placed nearby so that children can associate what is on their face to the emotion they are experiencing.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Free text clinical comments included apprehension regarding potential "false understanding" created by translation aids, a suggestion for incorporation of phonetic texts in the instrument, and an expression of dissatisfaction with the suggestion of acquiring language skills to accommodate non-English-speaking patients without their own interpreter.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing language acquisition, consider specifying the context or purpose. For example, specify if it is about "acquire language skills" for professional advancement or for travel.

Common error

Don't assume that simply being exposed to a language will guarantee that someone will "acquire language skills". Active learning and practice are crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire language skills" functions as a verb phrase describing the process of gaining competence in a language. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to refer to developing proficiency in language.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Science

45%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acquire language skills" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the process of learning a language. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and widespread acceptance. It finds applications across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the context or purpose of language acquisition for clarity. While both "acquire" and "learn" are valid, "acquire" often implies a more natural process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop language proficiency

Focuses on the outcome of gaining expertise in a language, emphasizing the level of competence achieved rather than the process.

gain linguistic abilities

Highlights the development of overall linguistic capabilities, encompassing a broader range of language-related skills.

learn a language

A more general term that emphasizes the process of language acquisition without specifying the level of skill obtained.

master language fundamentals

Emphasizes achieving a high level of understanding and control over the basic elements of a language.

improve language competence

Focuses on enhancing existing language abilities to a higher level of performance.

cultivate language expertise

Suggests a deliberate and refined approach to developing advanced language abilities over time.

pick up a language

Implies a casual or informal method of learning a language, often through immersion or exposure.

attain language fluency

Emphasizes reaching a high level of proficiency where one can communicate effortlessly and accurately.

build language capacity

Focuses on increasing the potential for language use and understanding, often in a specific context.

enhance language facility

Highlights the improvement of ease and skill in using a language for various purposes.

FAQs

How can I effectively "acquire language skills"?

Effective strategies include immersion, consistent practice, focusing on communicative competence, and utilizing diverse learning resources like language exchange partners and language learning apps.

What are some alternatives to saying "acquire language skills"?

You can use alternatives like "develop language proficiency", "gain linguistic abilities", or "learn a language" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "acquire language skills" or "learn language skills"?

"Acquire language skills" and "learn language skills" are both grammatically correct and widely used. "Acquire" often implies a more natural or gradual process, while "learn" suggests a more structured or intentional approach.

How does age affect the ability to "acquire language skills"?

While children often "acquire language skills" more easily due to brain plasticity, adults can also successfully learn languages through dedication and effective learning strategies.