acquiring know-how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquiring know-how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of gaining knowledge or skills in a particular area or field. Example: "The training program focuses on acquiring know-how in advanced manufacturing techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

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 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

And the steel car he made after acquiring the know-how from working at a metal door factory last summer.

Independent

It has not only accumulated physical capital but also acquired more know-how, better technology and cleverer techniques.

The Economist

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

Consequently, coops are active in many fields such as buying inputs and/or sell outputs; acquiring the appropriate know-how, including investing in R&D; investing in storages, machineries, and any kind of facilities that are also managed by the coop; developing marketing strategies; and exerting lobbying actions in the members' interests.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Today this is largely invested in rich countries' government bonds; tomorrow it could be used to buy companies and protect China against rich countries' devaluations and possible defaults.Chinese firms are going global for the usual reasons: to acquire raw materials, get technical know-how and gain access to foreign markets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the development of practical skills, use "acquiring know-how" to emphasize the hands-on aspect of learning, particularly in technical or specialized fields.

Common error

Avoid using "acquiring know-how" when referring to purely theoretical knowledge; instead, opt for phrases like "gaining knowledge" or "obtaining information" to better reflect the nature of the learning process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquiring know-how" functions as a verbal phrase often used as a gerund or part of a larger clause to denote the action of gaining practical skills or expertise. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquiring know-how" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to depict the process of gaining practical skills and expertise. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts. While versatile, it is crucial to differentiate it from simply "gaining knowledge", as "acquiring know-how" specifically emphasizes hands-on, practical skills. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "gaining expertise" or "developing skills", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining expertise

Focuses on the result of acquiring know-how, emphasizing a high level of skill.

developing skills

Emphasizes the process of improvement and growth in abilities.

obtaining knowledge

Highlights the act of getting factual or theoretical understanding.

learning the ropes

An idiomatic expression for learning the basics of a job or task.

mastering techniques

Implies a thorough understanding and control of specific methods.

cultivating proficiency

Suggests careful development and refinement of skills.

building competence

Emphasizes the gradual construction of skills and abilities.

securing understanding

Focuses on ensuring a firm grasp of concepts.

picking up skills

Informal way of saying gaining some new skills.

assimilating knowledge

Highlights the integration of new information into existing understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "acquiring know-how" to describe the process of gaining practical skills or expertise in a particular area. For example, "The company is focused on "acquiring know-how" in renewable energy technologies".

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

Alternatives include "gaining expertise", "developing skills", or "obtaining knowledge", depending on the specific context.

Is "acquiring know-how" formal or informal?

"Acquiring know-how" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is often seen in professional or technical discussions.

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

"Acquiring know-how" typically refers to the practical skills and expertise gained through experience, while "gaining knowledge" refers more broadly to the acquisition of theoretical or factual information.