apprentice

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "apprentice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is learning a trade or craft from a master or an experienced colleague. Example: He is an apprentice plumber, working with his father to learn the tricks of the trade.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Starting with his first apprentice pieces in the late 1830s, he had been testing and tweaking the rules of established art practice in a way that frequently piqued his critics and still gives his admirers much to ponder today.

The Guardian - Arts

Born in 1932 to a wealthy family in the Dominican Republic, Óscar Arístides de la Renta Fiallo learned his trade as an apprentice of Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga before working under Lanvin and Balmain in Paris.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I began working as an apprentice coppersmith at the rail works in Dundalk and when I was 17 I went to Birmingham with a Newry boys' club to play a Birmingham side, Shamrock Rovers.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1980, he joined the Royal Small Arms Factory – home of the Lee Enfield – as an apprentice, one of 30 it took on every year.

The Guardian

The Protestant apprentice boys celebrate its successful resistance of the Catholic King James's army in the late 7th century and the subsequent victory of the protestant William of Orange.

The Guardian

Much of Schlesinger's great skill with actors stemmed from these apprentice years, when he also acted in films, including the Boulting Brothers Brotherss In Law (1957), for Michael Powell in Oh Rosalindaa (1955) and as a German officer in Battle Of The River Plate (1956).

The Guardian

He studied chemistry at Glasgow University and then worked as an apprentice at two distilleries, Hazelburn and Longmorn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He reads his students' stories – apprentice stories – more times than sanity would recommend, so that when the class starts, he knows them better than those who have authored them.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Rachel Jacobs, 39, was the chief executive of ApprenNet, an education company that focused on addressing a shortage of highly skilled workers using technology and apprentice-style learning.

The Guardian

Apprentice-style approaches practised in the Netherlands and Austria have had similar results.Germany's export-driven economy, with its army of specialised manufacturers, may be particularly suited to the apprenticeship model.

The Economist

Sponsors withdrew from Trump Sr's show, Celebrity Apprentice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apprentice", ensure the context clearly indicates a structured learning environment, often involving a skilled master or professional.

Common error

Avoid using "apprentice" to describe informal learning situations; it's best suited for scenarios with a formal training component or apprenticeship program.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "apprentice" is as a noun, referring to someone undergoing training or learning a skill from a master. It can also function as an adjective. Ludwig examples support both usages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

30%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "apprentice" is a noun commonly used to describe someone learning a trade or skill from a master, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news and media, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical status is correct and the examples are clear. While synonyms like "trainee" or "learner" exist, "apprentice" specifically denotes a structured learning environment. When using "apprentice", it is important to consider the level of formality of the context and the specific learning environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Beginner

A general term for someone starting to learn something.

Learner

Emphasizes the act of acquiring knowledge and skills.

Trainee

Focuses on the period of training and learning involved.

Student

The act of someone acquiring knowledge and skills in a certain area.

Novice

Highlights the lack of experience and the beginning stage.

Newcomer

Highlights the individual's recent entry into a field or profession.

Intern

Suggests a temporary position for gaining practical experience, typically in a professional setting.

Protégé

Implies a mentor-mentee relationship where guidance and support are provided.

Disciple

Suggests a follower or student dedicated to a particular teacher or ideology.

Probationer

Highlights that they are in a trial period to see if they are good enough.

FAQs

How can I use "apprentice" in a sentence?

You can use "apprentice" to describe someone who is learning a trade or skill from a master, for example, "He is working as an apprentice electrician".

What is a good synonym for "apprentice"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "apprentice" include "trainee", "learner", or "intern".

What's the difference between an "apprentice" and a "trainee"?

While both terms refer to someone learning a skill, "apprentice" typically implies a longer-term, more structured learning arrangement, whereas "trainee" can refer to a shorter or less formal training period.

Is it correct to use "apprentice" to describe someone in a modern office environment?

While traditionally used for trades, "apprentice" can be used metaphorically in modern offices to describe someone new to a role learning from a more experienced colleague. However, "intern" or "trainee" might be more appropriate depending on the structure of learning.