apply skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply skills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of utilizing specific abilities or competencies in a practical context. Example: "In order to succeed in this project, we need to apply our skills in data analysis and problem-solving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Some apply skills they've learned as tradesmen.

The New York Times - Arts

Like many in his family, he emigrated to New Hampshire to apply skills learned in Irish linen mills to that state's cotton mills.

The New York Times - Arts

Quite what this will entail is not yet clear: an ability, probably, to apply skills to problems pupils may encounter in their working lives.

The Economist

Seduced by a vision of mathematical elegance underlying some of the messiest of human activities, they apply skills they once hoped to use to untangle string theory or the nervous system to making money.

The New York Times - Science

Taggart believes that children are more likely to apply skills that they have learned in Lego Club to other everyday life situations, whereas techniques taught in social-skills lessons tend not to be used elsewhere.

Independent

Nonprofessional scientists of all experience and interest levels were increasingly drawn to citizen science initiatives by the opportunity to apply skills and talents (that might otherwise be avocational) toward the achievement of a greater goal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

These are available for students with high academic entry grades and those demonstrating outstanding applied skills.

The Guardian

"A lot of kids his age don't have the fear factor, but he's applying skills as well".

The New York Times - Travel

When things get better than that, and good fortune, hard work and our applied skills bring us the reward of riches, we start taking a longer view.

The Guardian

In Pakistan, Yasmeen Lari is applying skills learned building vast commercial structures and restoring historic national monuments to help communities at risk from flood and earthquake damage.

The Guardian - Arts

He often lurks on the edges of games, almost devoid of the competitive elements until, out of nothing, he applies skills in a way that confounds viewers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how someone uses their skills, consider specifying the context or area where the skills are being applied. For instance, instead of simply saying "They apply their skills", specify "They apply their skills in project management to ensure the project's success."

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using the phrase "apply skills" without providing specific examples or details. Describe the specific skills being applied and the tangible outcomes of their application to make your writing more engaging and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply skills" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where 'apply' is the transitive verb and 'skills' is the direct object. It indicates the action of utilizing specific abilities or competencies to achieve a particular outcome. As shown in Ludwig, this action is often discussed in the context of practical application and problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apply skills" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies the practical application of abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent across diverse domains, including news, science, and business. While variations like "utilize skills" or "employ skills" offer subtle differences in meaning, the core concept remains consistent: translating knowledge into action. When using "apply skills", ensure context and specific examples are provided to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilize skills

Replaces "apply" with "utilize", suggesting a more practical or efficient use of skills.

employ skills

Substitutes "apply" with "employ", indicating a deliberate and purposeful use of skills.

exercise skills

Replaces "apply" with "exercise", focusing on the active demonstration and development of skills.

implement skills

Replaces "apply" with "implement", emphasizing the practical application of skills in a structured setting.

leverage skills

Replaces "apply" with "leverage", suggesting the strategic use of skills to gain an advantage.

put skills into practice

Rephrases "apply skills" to highlight the transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application.

draw on skills

Substitutes "apply" with "draw on", suggesting the act of using available skills as a resource.

bring skills to bear

Replaces "apply" with a more forceful idiom, emphasizing the impact of applying skills to a situation.

capitalize on skills

Changes "apply" to "capitalize on", focusing on exploiting skills for maximum benefit.

make use of skills

Replaces "apply" with a more general phrase, indicating the simple act of using skills.

FAQs

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

You can use "apply skills" to describe the act of utilizing specific abilities in a practical situation. For example, "Students learn to "apply skills" learned in the classroom to real-world problems".

What are some alternatives to "apply skills"?

Alternatives include "utilize skills", "employ skills", or "implement skills", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "apply skills" or "applied skills"?

"Apply skills" is a verb phrase, describing the action of using skills. "Applied skills" is an adjective phrase, describing the skills themselves as having been used or being practical. The correct choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "apply skills" and "develop skills"?

"Apply skills" refers to using existing skills in a practical context, while "develop skills" refers to improving or acquiring new abilities. You first "develop skills" then you "apply skills".