gaining experience

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaining experience" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of learning something new or developing a skill. Example sentence: Gaining experience in customer service helped me become a better salesperson.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In each country, the public was experimenting and gaining experience with alternative choices.

Global health, science and practice

Most interns do benefit — not monetarily, but by gaining experience.

The New York Times

I see more organisations gaining experience in collective governance.

The Guardian - Opinion

How can you combine studies and gaining experience?

The Guardian

Beijing for me will all be about gaining experience.

The Guardian - Sport

He struggled off and on in Europe, gaining experience but barely maintaining his exempt status.

The New York Times - Sports

During the war's first years, he was a flawed leader gaining experience.

The New York Times - Arts

He stayed there for eight years, gaining experience in mechanical and hydraulic engineering.

The New York Times

Daniel: Nothing is as important when you're starting out as gaining experience.

The Guardian

He does not see himself as taking sides, but as gaining experience.

The New York Times

Corbett says: "The reserve register is the first route towards gaining experience".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project's learning outcomes, use "gaining experience" to highlight the practical skills and insights acquired. For example: "The internship focused on gaining experience in data analysis and project management."

Common error

Avoid using "gain experience" as a justification for unpaid work if the primary beneficiary is the employer. Instead, emphasize the mutual benefits and learning opportunities provided to the individual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining experience" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through practical engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaining experience" functions as a gerund phrase, denoting the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through active engagement. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its versatility enables its application across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. Common usage includes describing personal and professional development, highlighting the practical benefits of various activities. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift depending on the specific context. To enhance writing, use "gaining experience" to highlight practical skills acquired and avoid misusing it as a justification for unpaid labor where the individual does not get the primary benefit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquiring expertise

Focuses on becoming highly skilled in a particular area.

developing proficiency

Highlights the process of improving skill level.

building knowledge

Emphasizes the accumulation of factual information and understanding.

enhancing skills

Suggests improving existing abilities.

learning the ropes

An idiomatic expression referring to learning the basics of a job or activity.

cultivating competence

Emphasizes the development of the ability to do something successfully.

getting acquainted

Implies becoming familiar with something through experience.

fostering expertise

Highlights the careful nurturing of advanced knowledge or skill in a particular field.

undergoing training

Refers to a structured process of acquiring skills.

receiving exposure

Focuses on being introduced to new ideas or situations.

FAQs

How can I use "gaining experience" in a sentence?

You can use "gaining experience" to describe the process of acquiring new skills or knowledge through practical application. For example: "Volunteering is a great way of "gaining experience" in a specific field."

What are some alternatives to "gaining experience"?

Alternatives to "gaining experience" include "acquiring expertise", "developing proficiency", or "building knowledge", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "gain experience"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "gain experience". The gerund form, "gaining experience", is also correct and often used to describe an ongoing process.

What's the difference between "gaining experience" and "having experience"?

"Gaining experience" refers to the process of acquiring new knowledge or skills, while "having experience" indicates that you already possess those skills. For example, "She is "gaining experience" in marketing," versus, "She is "experienced in" marketing."