hands-on knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"hands-on knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to knowledge that a person has acquired through practical experience instead of from books or lectures. For example, "My husband's hands-on knowledge of building construction has been invaluable in renovating our home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Conversely, Richard's hands-on knowledge of music informs his work as a healer.

The New York Times - Arts

Together they provide Symbol employees, many of them bone-tired at the end of the day, with both theoretical and hands-on knowledge.

The New York Times

The majority of garden staff here have NCH, OND, or RHS level 2 or 3. Trainees in garden design or landscape architects would probably have a degree, but that doesn't give you hands-on knowledge of horticulture.

The Guardian

His sons also joined the business: Michael, a born gearhead, brought extensive hands-on knowledge, while David, a mechanical engineer, contributed design and engineering skills that would enable the shop to produce an array of mechanical components.

The New York Times

Part of her message is based on hands-on knowledge: from being raised in a small village in the 1940s, before Ireland shifted to convenience cooking and fast food; from feeding farm workers during the harvest on her family's farm in Tipperary; and from Myrtle Allen, who is now 86.

The New York Times - Food

The hands-on knowledge they acquired through the geological laboratories about fossils, their succession, their similarities and differences.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Lawton is more interested in meeting detectives who have "hands on" knowledge of crimes rather than senior police chiefs.

The Guardian

We miss you and America needs your energy, your hands on knowledge of the world and your leadership.

Huffington Post

Local, hands-on gardening knowledge was thus seen as an important source of information, but one that could discourage or encourage use of pesticides depending on local practices.

Critical Public Health

Furthermore, the students are exposed to emerging markets and gain hands-on local knowledge; they learn innovative ways of tackling problems, and can put their skills into practice.

The Economist

Strengths recognized included providing hands-on experience, knowledge and skills generation and the linking learners to the communities.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the value of practical training, use "hands-on knowledge" to highlight the skills and understanding gained through direct experience.

Common error

Avoid implying that theoretical knowledge is unimportant. "Hands-on knowledge" is most effective when combined with a solid theoretical foundation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hands-on knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "hands-on" modifies the noun "knowledge". It describes a specific type of knowledge acquired through practical application, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Cover Letter

4%

Opinion

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hands-on knowledge" is a valid and frequently used phrase referring to the understanding gained through practical experience. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase, emphasizes practical skills, and is appropriate across various contexts. The phrase is found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, making it a reliable and effective way to describe knowledge acquired through direct involvement. To improve your writing, focus on using it when you specifically want to highlight the value of practical experience over theoretical understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hands-on experience

Highlights the direct involvement and active participation.

working knowledge

Implies a level of knowledge sufficient for practical application.

practical know-how

Stresses the practical skills and techniques acquired.

practical understanding

Focuses on the understanding gained through practice rather than the knowledge itself.

experiential learning

Emphasizes the learning process through experience, rather than the resulting knowledge.

applied expertise

Focuses on the expert application of skills and knowledge

real-world experience

Highlights the authenticity and applicability of the experience.

on-the-job training

Emphasizes learning through direct work experience.

field experience

Focuses on experience gained outside of a classroom or office.

direct involvement

Highlights active participation in a process.

FAQs

How can I improve my "hands-on knowledge" in a particular field?

You can enhance your "hands-on knowledge" by seeking practical experiences such as internships, apprenticeships, volunteering, or engaging in personal projects related to the field.

What is the difference between "hands-on experience" and "hands-on knowledge"?

"Hands-on experience" refers to the act of directly participating in an activity, while "hands-on knowledge" is the understanding and skills gained from that experience. Experience is the process, knowledge is the result.

What are the benefits of gaining "hands-on knowledge"?

Gaining "hands-on knowledge" allows you to develop practical skills, improve problem-solving abilities, and deepen your understanding of a subject through direct application and experimentation.

What are some alternatives to "hands-on knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "practical understanding", "working knowledge", or "experiential learning" depending on the specific context.