develop skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of acquiring or improving a particular ability or expertise in a specific area. Example: "To excel in this field, it is essential to develop skill through practice and continuous learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Luckily, I was encouraged to develop skill and confidence by very patient tutors".

The Guardian

It takes time to build confidence and develop skill with climbing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This will help develop skill levels and create a better narrative to the summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Osteopathic physicians develop skill in recognizing and correcting structural problems through manipulative therapy and other treatments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Galison attributes this, in large part, to differences in experimental traditions, in which scientists develop skill in using certain types of instruments or apparatus.

SEP

The support of nurse empowerment to recognize a personal role and develop skill competency in information management is the desired course outcome.

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"We need to develop skills.

The New York Times

He will really start to develop skills".

The New York Times - Science

They develop skills in areas such as influencing and networking.

The Guardian

The school also supports parents to develop skills.

The Guardian

Another way to develop skills is through charity work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to improve professionally, specify the area in which you wish to "develop skill". For example, instead of stating "I want to develop skill", consider "I want to develop skill in data analysis".

Common error

Avoid the assumption that skill development is a quick process. Real skill enhancement requires consistent effort, deliberate practice, and often, seeking expert feedback. Do not expect to "develop skill" overnight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop skill" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of acquiring or improving an ability. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable. It is commonly used to describe the process of enhancing one's proficiency in a particular area.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

13%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop skill" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the process of acquiring or enhancing a particular ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and general contexts, its usage spans a range of registers, from neutral to professional. For more impact, specify the skill you aim to develop, and remember that genuine skill enhancement needs commitment. Alternative phrases like "acquire expertise" and "gain proficiency" can add nuance, but the directness of "develop skill" renders it a powerful and widely applicable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate an ability

Focuses on nurturing and refining a pre-existing talent or capacity.

gain proficiency

Indicates achieving a high level of skill and competence in a particular area.

acquire expertise

Emphasizes gaining specialized knowledge and proficiency in a particular field.

build competence

Highlights the process of establishing a solid foundation of skills and knowledge.

hone your craft

Implies refining skills in a specific trade or artistic pursuit through dedicated practice.

sharpen your talents

Suggests improving and enhancing inherent abilities.

improve aptitude

Refers to enhancing a natural ability or potential for learning.

refine capabilities

Highlights the process of making small changes to improve the quality of something.

master technique

Focuses on gaining complete control and expertise over a specific method or procedure.

advance know-how

Implies increasing practical knowledge and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "develop skill" in a sentence?

You can use "develop skill" to describe the process of acquiring or improving a particular ability. For example, "Consistent practice is essential to "develop skill" in any field."

What are some alternatives to "develop skill"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "acquire expertise", "gain proficiency", or "cultivate an ability".

Is it more appropriate to say "develop skill" or "develop skills"?

Both are correct, but "develop skill" usually refers to the general process of skill improvement, while "develop skills" emphasizes the acquisition of multiple specific skills. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "develop skill" and "improve skill"?

"Develop skill" often implies starting from a relatively low level and building up competence, while "improve skill" suggests enhancing an existing ability. For example, a beginner might "develop skill", while an experienced practitioner would "improve skill".