learn a skill

USAGE SUMMARY

"learn a skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any informal or formal context when you are referring to someone gaining mastery or knowledge of a particular task or area of knowledge. For example: "Jane wanted to become more well-rounded in her field of work, so she set aside time each month to learn a new skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many of these students still want to learn a skill set that prepares them for the high-skilled careers that are the backbone of today's economy.

TechCrunch

Couldn't you learn a skill?

The Guardian - Music

"We wanted Simon to learn a skill".

The New York Times

"I'm trying to learn a skill".

The New Yorker

Here, I can learn a skill and earn money.

The New York Times

His father had insisted that he learn a skill.

The New York Times

It gives you a sense of satisfaction, you learn a skill – and you save money".

Independent

It's always good to work hard and learn a skill well.

The New York Times

But he yearns to learn a skill and get a proper career.

The Economist

So the chance to learn a skill opens up a new world.

The Guardian

"I have to learn a skill," she said, before Mr. Bremer's speech.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "learn a skill", consider specifying the skill to provide context and clarity. For instance, instead of saying "I want to learn a skill", specify "I want to learn coding".

Common error

Avoid using "learn a skill" as a superficial recommendation. Instead of just saying someone should "learn a skill", explain why that skill is valuable or relevant to their goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "learn a skill" functions as a verb phrase, where 'learn' is the main verb and 'a skill' is the direct object. It expresses the action of acquiring a new ability or competence. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "learn a skill" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies the act of acquiring new abilities for personal or professional enhancement. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity, specifying the skill is advisable, while avoiding overly general recommendations adds depth to its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire a skill

Focuses on the act of gaining possession of a skill.

develop a skill

Emphasizes the process of growth and improvement in a particular skill.

pick up a skill

Suggests learning a skill informally or casually.

master a skill

Implies achieving a high level of proficiency in a skill.

cultivate a skill

Suggests nurturing and refining a skill over time.

gain expertise

Focuses on acquiring a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area.

become proficient

Highlights the achievement of competence in a particular area.

train in a skill

Implies formal instruction or practice to acquire a skill.

educate oneself

Focuses on learning for self-improvement rather than focusing on particular skill.

study something new

Highlights acquiring new knowledge in a specific subject rather than necessarily mastering practical abilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "learn a skill" in various contexts. For example, "It's important to "learn a skill" to stay competitive in the job market" or "She decided to "learn a skill" during her free time".

What are some alternatives to "learn a skill"?

Some alternatives to "learn a skill" include "acquire a skill", "develop a skill", or "pick up a skill", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "learn a skill" or "develop a skill"?

Both ""learn a skill"" and "develop a skill" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Learn a skill" implies starting to acquire a new ability, while "develop a skill" suggests improving an existing one.

Why is it important to "learn a skill"?

It is important to ""learn a skill"" because it enhances personal growth, increases employability, and provides new opportunities for self-improvement and professional advancement.