obtain a skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "obtain a skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to acquiring a new ability or talent. For example, "I have been studying guitar for a few months now and I'm learning how to obtain a skill in playing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I wanted to obtain a skill that would allow me to work in an environment where I got to solve problems and could lead to working in a company that had values that resonated with my own, so I started to look into learning to code.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

First, your intellectual self involves obtaining a skill set and becoming an expert in one or two areas.

Huffington Post

Rather than expanding a very successful Co-Op Tech school that trains students to obtain a licensed skill in some 30 different fields and a GED degree or high school diploma, the city of New York bet on the massive and costly expansion of "small schools" as the solution to these worsening problems.

Huffington Post

When widows obtain a job or skill, not only do they support their children but often teach others the craft.

Huffington Post

You empower economically and the widows are empowered socially". When widows obtain a job or skill, not only do they support their children but often teach others the craft.

HuffPost

This readiness is a matter of having an understanding of oneself as a being capable of obtaining a new skill.

European Journal of Futures Research

Use of actual research proposals allowed us to efficiently obtain a snapshot of review skills and participants' baseline confidence and communication techniques.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Judge Trager acted with integrity and skill to obtain a jury verdict that would be fair and credible to all the members of what was at that time a troubled community.

The New York Times

On weekends, late nights, and long court days the prosecutors in this case demonstrated a strong desire to do their very best to obtain a conviction and the requisite skill to try and make that happen.

Huffington Post

It is important to consider that collection of the sample should be done with the same strength and skill to obtain a single layer of epithelia; in other words, sampling method should be kept constant since, repeated and vigorous sampling may lead to collection of cells from the less differentiated basal layer.

Disease Markers

Droves of Indian engineers therefore migrate to the United States every year to obtain a better price for their skills.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing professional development or career advancement, use "obtain a skill" to emphasize the active pursuit of a new capability.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "obtain" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "learn" or "get" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain a skill" functions as a verbal phrase where "obtain" acts as a transitive verb with "skill" as its direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain a skill" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of acquiring a new ability. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's worth noting its relatively low frequency and slightly formal tone. Alternatives like "acquire a skill" or "learn a skill" may be more suitable in informal settings. The phrase appears most commonly in news, science, and academic contexts, suggesting a professional or educational emphasis. Remember to actively pursue new skills and expand your capabilities!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire a skill

Focuses on the process of gaining a new ability.

develop a skill

Emphasizes the gradual improvement and refinement of an ability over time.

gain a skill

Highlights the act of receiving or coming into possession of a skill.

learn a skill

Focuses on the learning process and the acquisition of knowledge required for the skill.

master a skill

Suggests achieving a high level of proficiency and expertise in the skill.

cultivate a skill

Implies nurturing and developing a skill through dedicated effort and practice.

pick up a skill

Suggests acquiring a skill informally or through casual learning.

hone a skill

Focuses on refining and perfecting an existing skill.

build a skill

Emphasizes the process of constructing or creating an ability from the ground up.

improve a skill

Highlights making an existing skill better.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "obtain a skill"?

You can use alternatives like "acquire a skill", "develop a skill", or "gain a skill" depending on the context.

How to use "obtain a skill" in a sentence?

You can use "obtain a skill" when you want to express the action of getting a new ability or talent. For example: "I want to obtain a skill in data analysis to advance my career."

Is it more formal to say "obtain a skill" or "learn a skill"?

"Obtain a skill" tends to be more formal than "learn a skill". "Learn a skill" is a more common and general way to express the same idea.

What is the difference between "obtain a skill" and "possess a skill"?

"Obtain a skill" refers to the process of acquiring a new ability, while "possess a skill" refers to already having that ability. One is about acquisition, the other about ownership.