developing skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developing skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of acquiring or improving a particular ability or expertise in a specific area. Example: "She is focused on developing skill in graphic design to enhance her career opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Her developing skill in handling the media is as admirable as it is faintly distasteful.

Independent

The current emphasis on developing skill in just one or two sports can result in overuse injuries.

The New York Times

Developing skill sets in areas that support the green agenda will close the unemployment gap whilst supporting a sustainable and low carbon world.

The Guardian

The gap has definitely begun to narrow, but until our focus, especially on the youth level, shifts from winning and winning some more, to developing skill and a soccer I.Q.

The New York Times

The statistics, compiled by the Defence Analytical Services And Advice centre, a division of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), appear to reflect both the Taliban's increased use of sophisticated roadside bombs to target Nato-led forces, and the developing skill of military medics in treating injuries that might have proved fatal in the past.

The Guardian

Dr. Matt Grady, a pediatric sports medicine specialist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said the new rules, while a good start, did not go far enough, and that the emphasis in football for players who have not yet reached high school should be on developing skill and technique, not learning how to tackle.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But I'm developing skills and investing in my career".

The Guardian - Money

Are you developing skills that will carry you through life?

The New York Times

But how focused are universities at developing skills, really?

TechCrunch

Developing skills that reflect the needs of local communities.

BBC

Seeking knowledge and developing skills know no boundaries.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing progress in a specific area, use "developing skill" to emphasize the process of improvement. For example, "She is actively developing skill in data analysis to advance her career."

Common error

Avoid using "developing skill" when referring to innate talent rather than acquired ability. Instead of "He's developing skill in music", consider "He has a natural talent for music" or "He's cultivating his musical talent".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "developing skill" is as a gerund phrase acting as a noun modifier. It often describes the action of improving or acquiring an ability, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples where it modifies nouns like 'sets' or appears in contexts discussing learning processes. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "developing skill" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the process of enhancing or acquiring a particular ability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge, as showcased in Ludwig's examples. While it maintains a neutral register, its application is versatile enough for both formal and informal scenarios. Consider using alternatives like "acquiring proficiency" or "cultivating expertise" for nuanced expressions. Remember to differentiate it from innate talent and focus on acquired abilities. Use "developing skill" to emphasize ongoing improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advancing skill

Suggests making progress in the mastery of a particular ability.

acquiring proficiency

Focuses on gaining a high level of competence through training or experience.

enhancing competence

Highlights the improvement of one's capability to perform tasks effectively.

cultivating expertise

Emphasizes nurturing and refining specialized knowledge.

building expertise

Focuses on constructing a solid foundation of knowledge and skill.

improving aptitude

Highlights increasing the natural ability to do something.

honing abilities

Implies sharpening and perfecting existing talents.

gaining mastery

Focuses on achieving a comprehensive understanding and control of a skill.

refining technique

Emphasizes the improvement of methods used to achieve a goal.

fostering talent

Suggests nurturing and encouraging innate potential to grow.

FAQs

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

You can use "developing skill" to describe the process of improving a specific ability. For example, "The company is focused on "developing skill" in its workforce".

What are some alternatives to "developing skill"?

Alternatives include "acquiring proficiency", "cultivating expertise", or "honing abilities", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "developing skill" or "improving skill"?

Both phrases are correct, but "developing skill" often implies a more foundational or initial stage of learning, whereas "improving skill" suggests building upon an existing base.

What is the difference between "developing skill" and "gaining experience"?

"Developing skill" focuses on enhancing a specific ability, while "gaining experience" refers to accumulating knowledge and understanding through practical involvement in a field or activity. Gaining experience can aid in "developing skill".