craftsmanship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "craftsmanship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the skill and quality involved in making something, particularly in the context of art, design, or skilled trades. Example: "The craftsmanship of the handmade furniture is evident in its intricate details and sturdy construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is intended not as a piece of literary craftsmanship, but as a picture of conditions done as simply and effectively as the English language will permit … It makes one feel that American criticism is the joke which English literary authorities maintain it to be.

The Guardian - Books

"With Mackintosh, you expect it to be amazing craftsmanship," says Page. "We had always assumed, for example, that the great timber columns holding up the mezzanine, which really defined the room, were carved from single pieces of oak.

The Guardian - Arts

With Polish cinema, what I especially respond to is the mixture of passion, meticulous craftsmanship, dynamic deep focal-length compositions, moral dilemmas and religious conflicts, often done with a very sharp sense of humour.

The Guardian - Film

The grand provocations in Yeezus are matched, step for step, by its craftsmanship.

The Guardian - Music

Mad Max: Fury Road may well be Australia's ultimate contribution to its own genre-cinema output and a reaffirmation of Aussie imagination and craftsmanship.

The Guardian - Film

And it promotes international exchanges, sending young Muranese glassblowers overseas and inviting glassmakers from Scandinavia and the United States to observe Italian craftsmanship at first hand.Not everyone, however, thinks the glass school is a good idea.

The Economist

Nothing is ever quite as it seems on the surface.Thus Lou, the Swede's indomitable father, concludes that it was not declining craftsmanship that killed the ladies glove business but the departure from the White House of its fashion icon, Jackie Kennedy.

The Economist

Instead, there is more interest in craftsmanship and value for money.

The Economist

Because it specialises in high-margin goods, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and design, it still manufactures 85% of its production in Italy.

The Economist

It is not a masterpiece, but rather a work of skilful craftsmanship, which teasingly engages and disengages one's sympathies but leaves the reader with curiously mixed feelings.

The Economist

They see a slippery slope towards a vulgar, market-driven industry, sacrificing centuries of craftsmanship.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an object, use "craftsmanship" to highlight the maker's skill and attention to detail, emphasizing the human element in its creation.

Common error

Avoid using "craftsmanship" in overly abstract contexts where tangible skill isn't involved. For example, describing a business strategy as showing "craftsmanship" might be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "craftsmanship" is as a noun. It denotes the quality of skill in creating objects or products. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples, showing its application in describing both the skill itself and the result of that skill.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "craftsmanship" is a noun denoting the quality of skill and artistry in creating something. Ludwig AI confirms its wide use across diverse contexts. Grammatically sound and very common, its primary function is to highlight the expertise and attention to detail that go into a product. It is frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, with a generally neutral to formal tone. To best use "craftsmanship", emphasize the human element and avoid overusing it in abstract contexts. Alternatives include "skillful workmanship" and "expert artistry".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skillful workmanship

Focuses more on the skill involved in the work itself.

expert artistry

Emphasizes the artistic skill and expertise required.

masterly skill

Highlights the mastery and proficiency in the craft.

fine art

Emphasizes the aesthetic and artistic qualities.

quality construction

Focuses on the durable and well-made nature of the item.

superior quality

Highlights the high standard and excellence of the work.

handcrafted excellence

Emphasizes the handmade nature and exceptional quality.

artisanry

Highlights the artisan's skill and dedication.

technical proficiency

Focuses on the technical skills and precision involved.

meticulous detailing

Emphasizes the attention to detail and precision.

FAQs

How can I use "craftsmanship" in a sentence?

You can use "craftsmanship" to describe the quality of work, as in, "The furniture displays excellent craftsmanship." It can also refer to the skill itself, like, "He honed his craftsmanship over many years".

What words are similar to "craftsmanship"?

Synonyms for "craftsmanship" include "workmanship", "skill", and "artistry". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "poor craftsmanship"?

Yes, "poor craftsmanship" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe work that lacks skill or quality.

What distinguishes "craftsmanship" from "craft"?

"Craft" refers to an activity involving skill in making things by hand, while "craftsmanship" refers to the quality of the work produced through that skill. Essentially, "craft" is the practice, and "craftsmanship" is the result of that practice.