acquired the skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquired the skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of learning or mastering a particular ability or talent. Example: "After months of practice, she finally acquired the skill to play the piano beautifully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

One facet of skill improved, but this does not mean that he acquired the skill.

The New York Times

Along with conventional marksmanship, soldiers now acquired the skill of "massing fire" against riverbanks, trees, hillcrests, and other places where enemy soldiers might lurk.

The New Yorker

Another sensitive issue that the agency wants to explore with Tehran is how it acquired the skill to build two types of centrifuges that can enrich uranium.

The New York Times

The neuroscience allows us to understand the frustrating fact that you have the insight into what you are learning without yet having acquired the skill, or you can have the skill without the insight.

The Guardian

She saw her mother cry for what she swears was the first and only time ("She was stalwart") on the trip to the crematorium, and reported that she herself now acquired the skill of shedding tears when tears were called for: "This was what I thought I should do.

The New Yorker

While some critics have theorized that this restless and trembling style is derived from Qing masters such as Shitao, Lu claimed that he followed the style of the Four Wangs in his early stage, and that through these painters he acquired the skill of the Four Masters of the Yuan dynasty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I moved to the organizational change area and acquired the skills to help them.

The New York Times

Michelozzo studied with the celebrated sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti, in whose workshop he acquired the skills of a bronze founder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Charles Murray suggests that instead of degrees, we use "certification tests, which would provide evidence that the applicant has acquired the skills the employer needs".

The New York Times

From the philosopher Theodor Adorno, he acquired the skills of "negative dialectic," a rejection of the classical idea that the process of negation should lead to positive conclusions.

The New York Times - Books

Surprisingly, I had already acquired the skills necessary to perform in the position.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquired the skill", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific skill was obtained. For example, "She acquired the skill of public speaking through rigorous training."

Common error

Avoid using "acquired the skill" when the level of proficiency is basic or introductory. It's more accurate to use phrases like "began learning" or "familiarized oneself with" if the skill isn't fully mastered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquired the skill" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the completion of a learning process or the attainment of a specific ability. Ludwig examples show usage in various contexts, such as learning a new language or developing a professional capability. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquired the skill" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to denote the successful attainment of an ability. Ludwig examples show it appears across diverse sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral register. Ludwig AI analysis highlights its function in emphasizing personal or professional development. While versatile, it’s important to ensure that the context clearly defines the specific skill and the level of proficiency achieved. Alternatives such as "gained the skill" or "mastered the skill" can provide nuanced meaning depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gained the skill

Replaces "acquired" with "gained", emphasizing the act of obtaining the skill.

developed the skill

Focuses on the process of skill development over time.

mastered the skill

Implies a higher level of proficiency than simply acquiring the skill.

obtained the skill

Similar to "gained", but may suggest a more formal or deliberate acquisition.

learned the skill

Highlights the learning aspect of acquiring the skill.

picked up the skill

Suggests a more informal or casual way of learning the skill.

cultivated the skill

Implies nurturing and growing the skill through effort.

became proficient in the skill

Focuses on reaching a level of competence in the skill.

attained competence in the skill

Indicates achieving a satisfactory level of skill or ability.

grew skilled in

Suggests a gradual increase in skill level over time.

FAQs

What is the difference between "acquired the skill" and "learned the skill"?

While similar, "acquired the skill" implies a more complete integration and mastery, whereas "learned the skill" may simply mean gaining knowledge without full proficiency.

How can I use "acquired the skill" in a sentence?

You can use "acquired the skill" to describe someone gaining a specific ability, such as "He acquired the skill of coding after taking an online course."

What are some synonyms for "acquired the skill"?

Alternatives include "gained the skill", "developed the skill", or "mastered the skill", depending on the context and level of proficiency.

Is it correct to say "acquired the skills" instead of "acquired the skill"?

Yes, "acquired the skills" is correct when referring to multiple abilities, while "acquired the skill" refers to a single ability.