develop skills in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'develop skills in' is a correct and usable form of written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea of acquiring knowledge or experience in a particular area or activity. For example, "I am working to develop skills in computer programming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

"It enables them to develop skills in conducting worship that they'd normally expect of a rabbi".

The New York Times

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

In particular, the introduction of information literacy programmes can develop skills in accessing, analysing and responding to the diverse sources of information now available.

The Guardian

The grant is one of 29 that the city has awarded in a program created in 2005 to develop skills in the local work force.

The New York Times

She also advises other grandparents on how to prepare wills and how to develop skills in sewing and knitting to make money for services they share.

The New York Times

On a more practical level, the project teaches students how to use a camera and tape recorder and helps them develop skills in interviewing, transcribing and editing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop skills in", be specific about the area or activity you are referring to. For example, "develop skills in data analysis" is clearer than just "develop skills."

Common error

Avoid using "develop skills in" without specifying the context or area of skill development. This can make your writing vague and less impactful. Be specific about what skills are being developed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop skills in" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun and a preposition. It indicates the action of acquiring or improving specific abilities. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop skills in" is a grammatically sound and widely accepted way to express the action of acquiring or improving abilities in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific sources, indicating its versatility across different registers. When using this phrase, it is crucial to specify the area of skill development to maintain clarity. Alternatives include "cultivate skills in" and "enhance skills in", offering nuanced options for expressing the same concept. Remember that "develop skills in" should be followed by a specific area of improvement to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate skills in

Replaces "develop" with "cultivate", suggesting a more gradual and nurturing process of skill acquisition.

enhance skills in

Focuses on improving existing skills rather than starting from scratch.

hone skills in

Implies refining and perfecting existing skills to a sharp edge.

acquire proficiency in

Highlights the achievement of a high level of competence.

build expertise in

Emphasizes the creation of a deep understanding and mastery.

gain competence in

Stresses the attainment of the necessary abilities to perform a task.

foster abilities in

Suggests creating an environment that encourages the growth of skills.

advance capabilities in

Implies progress and improvement in one's abilities.

grow talents in

Highlights the natural aptitude that is being nurtured.

improve aptitude in

Focuses on making better one's aptitude for the skills in subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "develop skills in" to describe the process of acquiring or improving abilities in a specific area. For example, "The course is designed to help students "develop skills in" critical thinking."

What are some alternatives to "develop skills in"?

Some alternatives to "develop skills in" include "cultivate skills in", "enhance skills in", or "acquire proficiency in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both phrases are correct, but "develop skills in" is often used when starting from a basic level, while "improve skills in" suggests enhancing existing abilities.

Can "develop skills in" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "develop skills in" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, making it a versatile choice for various communication styles.