gaining skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaining skills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of acquiring new abilities or knowledge in a particular area. Example: "Through practice and dedication, I am gaining skills that will help me advance in my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today's social science students are gaining skills employers want.

The Guardian

Organising online, these activists are gaining skills and building networks at great speed.

The Guardian - Opinion

They did the work themselves, gaining skills as they went along.

The New York Times

It's also part of gaining skills to be part of the future global community.

The Guardian - Tech

Moreover, volunteers can make a difference while gaining skills, confidence and links to jobs.

The New York Times

Apprentices like them because they can earn a wage while gaining skills and qualifications.

The Times

Companies may pay for training or reimburse educational courses, but the skill of gaining skills is rarely taught.

Harvard Business Review

There is a huge pleasure in gaining skills, using them and getting compliments from other people on the work you have done.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the long run, you might move faster in a corporate role, learning your trade and gaining skills that you can later market to the NGO sector.

The Guardian

I'm all for people gaining skills, of course, and I readily concede that learning for free can have terrific benefits for both the intern and the employer.

The Guardian

In addition, many of the entrepreneurs served in elite technical units, gaining skills that they use now in software start-ups.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing professional development, use "gaining skills" to highlight the acquisition of abilities directly applicable to career advancement.

Common error

Avoid using "gaining skills" in passive constructions like "skills are being gained". Instead, opt for active voice to emphasize the individual's role in acquiring the skills: "students are gaining skills".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining skills" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity or process of acquiring new abilities or knowledge. Ludwig examples show this phrase in different sentences and proves that "gaining skills" is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

24%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gaining skills" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the process of acquiring new abilities. As affirmed by Ludwig, its versatile application spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When writing, ensure the phrase aligns with the intended meaning of skill acquisition and avoid passive constructions. Semantically similar alternatives include "acquiring skills" and "developing skills". This phrase's widespread usage and contextual adaptability make it a valuable asset in expressing growth and development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquiring skills

Focuses on the act of obtaining skills, similar to "gaining skills" but emphasizes the initial acquisition.

developing skills

Suggests a gradual improvement and refinement of skills over time.

improving skills

Emphasizes the enhancement of existing skills, rather than the initial acquisition.

building skills

Suggests a progressive construction of skills, often implying a structured learning process.

enhancing skills

Similar to improving, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on making skills more effective.

mastering skills

Implies a high level of proficiency and expertise in a particular skill.

honing skills

Suggests refining skills to a sharp or precise level.

cultivating skills

Implies nurturing and developing skills through dedicated effort and practice.

acquiring expertise

Focuses on gaining a deep and comprehensive understanding of a particular area.

expanding capabilities

Emphasizes the broadening of one's overall skill set and potential.

FAQs

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

You can use "gaining skills" to describe the process of acquiring new abilities or knowledge. For example, "She is "gaining skills" in data analysis through the online course."

What can I say instead of "gaining skills"?

Alternatives to "gaining skills" include "acquiring skills", "developing skills", or "improving skills", depending on the context.

Is "gaining skills" formal or informal?

"Gaining skills" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it is a commonly understood and accepted phrase in English.

Which is correct, "gaining skills" or "gaining skill"?

"Gaining skills" is correct when referring to multiple abilities or areas of expertise. "Gaining skill" is less common but could be used when referring to proficiency in a single, specific area. However, even then, "gaining skills" may be preferable.