apply skills to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply skills to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to talk about using a skillset for a certain task or process. For example, "I applied my leadership skills to managing the project".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

"Look," he wrote, "I don't mean to be rude but I have so much on my plate that my brain explodes when you ask questions like how much of my time I spend on each of my activities or how did I apply skills to my new chapter, et cetera.

The New York Times

Skills development also should be set in the context of career development, and further opportunities to apply skills to practice should be examined.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Working in a company before graduation can provide a lesson in applying skills to real-world problems.

Science Magazine

Be more active by applying skills to fit fitness in, and you may find you sleep better, or feel less stressed.

Huffington Post

Crisp et al [ 19] suggests that capacity can be sustained by applying skills to practice.

BMC Family Practice

These are just some examples of the kinds of experiences you can include in your résumé that reflect your ability to apply skills needed to manage others.

Science Magazine

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

Undergraduate students should learn how to apply quantitative skills to biological topics and use quantitative reasoning to interpret data.

CBE Life Sciences Education

We have documented here that, with practice and feedback, students can learn to apply quantitative skills to biological contexts.

CBE Life Sciences Education

He has limited opportunities to apply his skills to ecclesiastical glazing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apply skills to" when you want to emphasize the action of using abilities for a specific purpose or task.

Common error

Avoid using "apply skills to" without specifying the skills. Saying "apply skills to the project" is less informative than "apply analytical and communication skills to the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply skills to" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the action of utilizing specific abilities or competencies in relation to a particular task, problem, or situation. Ludwig confirms that it's a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apply skills to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to illustrate the action of utilizing particular skills for a specific aim. While adaptable to various registers, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and business-related media. To enhance clarity, always specify which skills are being applied and the context of application. Consider alternatives like ""employ skills in"" or ""utilize skills for"" to provide different nuances. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is a correct way to represent the concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilize skills for

Changes the verb to "utilize", emphasizing practical use of skills.

employ skills in

Replaces "apply" with "employ", suggesting a more structured or formal use of skills.

exercise skills on

Uses "exercise" to highlight the active demonstration or practice of skills.

implement skills in

Focuses on putting skills into action, emphasizing the practical application.

bring skills to bear on

Implies directing skills toward a specific issue or challenge to influence or resolve it.

leverage skills for

Suggests using skills strategically to maximize an advantage or outcome.

channel skills into

Conveys directing skills toward a particular purpose or direction.

dedicate skills to

Emphasizes committing skills fully to a specific task or goal.

devote skills to

Similar to dedicate, but highlights a strong and earnest commitment of skills.

adapt skills to

Highlights the adjustment and modification of skills to fit new contexts or requirements.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "apply skills to", clearly state which skills are being used and the context to which they are being "implemented". For example, "She applied her programming skills to develop the new software".

What are some alternatives to using "apply skills to"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "utilize skills for", "employ skills in", or "bring skills to bear on".

Is it grammatically correct to say "apply skills in" instead of "apply skills to"?

While "apply skills in" might be acceptable in some contexts, "apply skills to" is generally preferred when referring to applying skills toward a specific goal or area. Consider "employ skills in" instead, if you mean skills are used inside the context.

What is the difference between "apply skills to" and "adapt skills to"?

"Apply skills to" means to use existing skills for a purpose, while "adapt skills to" suggests modifying skills to fit a new situation or challenge. You "apply skills to" existing problems, and you "adapt skills to" changing needs.