develop skill in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop skill in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of acquiring or improving a specific ability or expertise in a particular area. Example: "To succeed in this field, it is essential to develop skill in effective communication and teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

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

So Stone and first-year student Antoinette Brown, who also wanted to develop skill in public speaking, organized an off-campus women's debating club.

Wikipedia

Men and women agreed that they were most inclined to use multiplayer simulations if they were fun (97%), and if they helped to develop skill in patient interactions (90%).

BMC Medical Education

In a recent study regarding medical student attitudes toward video games and related new media technologies in medical education [ 57] the results indicated that men and women agreed that they were most inclined to use multiplayer simulations if they were fun, and if they helped to develop skill in patient interactions.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A growing number are setting up programs to help employees develop skills in-house.

The New York Times

Thus the gifted men of the Renaissance sought to develop skills in all areas of knowledge, in physical development, in social accomplishments, and in the arts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They also give greater opportunities for children to problem-solve and therefore develop skills in this area, which are essential for later development".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They develop skills in areas such as influencing and networking.

The Guardian

These were designed to help us develop skills in motivating others, building relationships and influencing outcomes.

The Economist

This gave me a strong foundation in VBA and SQL and allowed me to develop skills in statistical analysis.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop skill in", ensure the skill is clearly defined and measurable. For example, specify "develop skill in data analysis" rather than just "develop skill".

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "develop skill in general areas". Be specific about the skill being developed to ensure clarity and purpose. For example use "develop skill in public speaking" rather than "develop skill in communication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop skill in" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun and a preposition, indicating the action of acquiring or enhancing a specific capability. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to describe the process of gaining competence in various areas, such as public speaking or patient interactions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Science

60%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "develop skill in" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies the process of acquiring or improving a specific ability. According to Ludwig, its AI confirms this assessment. While relatively rare, it finds application across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedic content. To ensure clarity and precision, it's best practice to define the skill specifically. Alternative expressions include "gain proficiency in" or "acquire expertise in", but remember "develop skill in" highlights the process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire expertise in

Emphasizes gaining a high level of specialized knowledge or mastery.

gain mastery of

Highlights achieving a comprehensive understanding and control.

cultivate proficiency in

Suggests a deliberate and careful process of improvement.

build expertise in

Suggests a gradual accumulation of knowledge and experience.

hone one's talent in

Implies refining a natural aptitude through practice and experience.

foster competence in

Focuses on building a sufficient level of ability for a specific task.

improve capabilities in

Focuses on enhancing existing abilities.

sharpen abilities in

Indicates refining existing skills to a higher level.

advance aptitude for

Signifies improvement of a natural inclination towards a skill or task.

nurture potential for

Implies fostering and guiding the growth of inherent capabilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "develop skill in" to describe the process of acquiring or improving a particular ability. For example, "The program helps students to develop skill in critical thinking."

What are some alternatives to "develop skill in"?

Alternatives include "gain proficiency in", "acquire expertise in", or "cultivate ability in", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "develop skills in" or "develop skill in"?

While both are grammatically correct, "develop skills in" is more common when referring to multiple specific abilities. "Develop skill in" is suitable when referring to a singular, broader skill.

How does "develop skill in" differ from "improve at"?

"Develop skill in" emphasizes the process of building an ability, whereas "improve at" focuses on enhancing an existing ability. For example, you might "develop skill in data analysis" and then "improve at presenting data."