acquire skill

USAGE SUMMARY

"acquire skill" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to learning or developing a new skill. For example: She worked hard to acquire the skill of cooking.

✓ Grammatically correct

General

Educational

Professional

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Boys acquire skill in the use of weapons by practicing with small bows or blowguns made by their fathers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of course imitation can help to acquire skill – and skill counts for a good deal (in fact skill is very nearly everything).

The Guardian

I also comment on a sample assignment that demonstrates how an integrated composition might be constructed using the design model and conclude by arguing that, in addition to helping students acquire skill with a new literacy, this pedagogy encourages students to recognize that multiple perspectives always attend any issue under discussion.

Computers and Composition

By 1603 he had visited Italy long enough to acquire skill in painting and design and to attract the patronage of King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway, at whose court he was employed for a time before returning to England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In collaboration with several current and former doctoral students, I have been studying how students acquire skill in probability problem solving and what role external visual inscriptions play in these skills; other collaborative work has focused on developing and applying new measurement models to better understand problem-solving.

Columbia University

It is acknowledged that specialist nurses will go through a role development process to acquire skill and competence to function with maximal effectiveness.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

How do you help them acquire skill-sets to help them become employable?

The Guardian - Sport

Most composers acquire skills as conductors, if only by necessity.

The New York Times - Arts

We acquire skills by playing and, later, by apprenticeship.

The Guardian - Books

Ambiguity creates more potential to acquire skills and technologies.

Harvard Business Review

Were you looking for them to acquire skills, data, concepts?

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing professional development or educational goals, use "acquire skill" to emphasize a deliberate effort to gain a specific competence.

Common error

Ensure that 'skill' is singular when referring to a general area of competence. It should be plural ('skills') only when referring to multiple distinct abilities. For example, use "acquire skill" (singular) when talking about project management in general, but "acquire skills" (plural) when detailing specific abilities like budgeting, scheduling, and team leadership.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire skill" functions as a verb phrase, where "acquire" is the transitive verb and "skill" is the direct object. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acquire skill" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing the process of gaining proficiency in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. It is appropriate for a variety of contexts, from formal academic writing to general news articles. Alternative phrases like "develop expertise" or "gain proficiency" can offer slightly different nuances, but "acquire skill" remains a direct and effective way to convey the idea of learning and mastering a new ability. Pay attention to using the singular "skill" when talking about skill in general and use "skills" for referring to several distinct skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop expertise

Focuses on developing a high level of skill in a specialized field.

gain proficiency

Emphasizes the improvement in competence through practice or study.

attain competence

Highlights reaching a satisfactory level of skill or ability.

build expertise

Suggests constructing or expanding one's knowledge and abilities over time.

cultivate talent

Implies nurturing and refining an inherent ability or aptitude.

hone skills

Focuses on refining existing skills to a sharper, more effective state.

master technique

Highlights the achievement of a high level of control and expertise in a specific technique.

learn the ropes

Refers to acquiring the basic skills and knowledge needed to perform a job or task.

pick up skills

Indicates learning skills informally or through experience rather than formal training.

foster ability

Suggests creating an environment that encourages the development of a particular skill.

FAQs

How can I use "acquire skill" in a sentence?

You can use "acquire skill" to describe the process of gaining competence in a particular area. For instance, "She attended the workshop to "acquire skill" in data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "acquire skill"?

Alternatives include "develop expertise", "gain proficiency", or "attain competence", each suggesting a slightly different nuance of gaining proficiency.

Is it better to say "acquire skill" or "acquire skills"?

The choice depends on whether you are referring to a general area of competence (singular, "acquire skill") or multiple distinct abilities (plural, "acquire skills").

What is the difference between "acquire skill" and "develop expertise"?

"Acquire skill" generally refers to gaining competence in a new area, while "develop expertise" implies enhancing a higher level of proficiency and knowledge in a specialized field.