acquiring skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquiring skills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of learning or developing new abilities in various contexts, such as education, training, or personal development. Example: "Through practice and dedication, she is focused on acquiring skills that will enhance her career prospects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As wages of skilled workers rise, people will invest more time, money and effort in acquiring skills, reducing the supply of unskilled labour and thereby raising its wage.

The Economist

Those are low-time pilots still acquiring skills.

The New York Times - Magazine

Acquiring skills may be equally difficult in the private sector.

MIT Technology Review

Even so, they are acquiring skills that will be crucial for future missions.

The New York Times

In recent years, learning factories have proven to be the ideal learning concept for acquiring skills.

Procedia Manufacturing

They do not encourage acquiring skills, and they expose countries to violent swings in commodity prices.

The New York Times

If Africa had spent 40 years investing in education, acquiring skills, she would be in a better position now".

The Guardian

He switched to English literature, meanwhile taking art courses and acquiring skills in casting, woodworking, and welding.

The New Yorker

He retained his "procedural memory," or facility for acquiring skills: in old age, he began using a walker.

The New Yorker

Once new hires have mastered that, they should start acquiring skills that will prepare them for their next jobs.

The New York Times

The best national champions are outward-looking, acquiring skills by listing on foreign exchanges and taking over foreign companies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use "acquiring skills" to refer to the development of specific competencies within a course or program.

Common error

Avoid using "acquiring skills" when referring to innate talents or abilities that are not learned. Instead, use terms like "possessing talent" or "demonstrating aptitude."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquiring skills" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of gaining new abilities. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as education and professional development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquiring skills" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of gaining new abilities. As affirmed by Ludwig, its versatility is evident in its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the act of learning or developing a new competency, rather than referring to innate talents. Remember to consider alternatives such as "developing abilities" or "gaining expertise" for nuanced expression. With these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "acquiring skills" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building skills

Suggests a gradual and incremental process of developing skills over time.

acquiring competence

Focuses on attaining the necessary abilities to perform a task effectively.

acquiring capabilities

Suggests a broader range of abilities, potentially encompassing both skills and inherent qualities.

acquiring proficiency

Emphasizes reaching a high level of competence in specific areas.

seeking skills

Highlights the active pursuit of skills, suggesting a proactive approach to learning.

acquiring expertise

Implies gaining a deep and comprehensive understanding of a subject or field.

acquiring talents

Focuses on innate abilities rather than learned ones, suggesting a natural aptitude.

becoming skilled

Focuses on the result of acquiring skills, emphasizing the state of being proficient.

acquiring qualifications

Emphasizes formal certification and credentials, implying a structured learning process.

establishing skills

Indicates a process of solidifying and confirming existing skills, rather than initial acquisition.

FAQs

How can I use "acquiring skills" in a sentence?

You can use "acquiring skills" to describe the process of learning new abilities, for example: "The training program focuses on "acquiring skills" relevant to the industry".

What can I say instead of "acquiring skills"?

You can use alternatives like "developing abilities", "gaining expertise", or "building competencies" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "acquiring skills" or "acquire skills"?

"Acquiring skills" is a gerund phrase, used as a noun, while "acquire skills" is a verb phrase. The choice depends on the sentence structure. For example, "Acquiring skills is essential for career advancement" vs. "You must acquire skills to succeed".

What's the difference between "acquiring skills" and "acquiring knowledge"?

"Acquiring skills" refers to developing practical abilities, while "acquiring knowledge" refers to gaining theoretical understanding. You might "acquire knowledge" by reading a book, but you "acquire skills" through practice and application.