practical know-how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practical know-how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the knowledge or skills a person has acquired in order to do something. For example, "His years of experience gave him a wealth of practical know-how in the field of engineering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

We trust the narrator of Walden and his spiritual aspirations better because of repeated examples of his practical know-how.

The Guardian - Books

But because the practical know-how for making ferroelectric devices is still in its infancy, the chip's two switching states are not as stable as designers would like.

The Economist

They "want to teach ethics and educate more Americans," he said, but at the same time, they also want to provide the practical know-how that corporations need.

The New York Times - Arts

And, resentment aside, if a foundation started telling its grantees what to do, would it then become an initiative-crushing central planner, stifling the very grassroots innovation and practical know-how that it purported to encourage?

The New Yorker

I learned a lot of practical know-how and trivia I am never going to use, like how to clean a muzzleloader and where to find the safety on a crossbow.

The New York Times

Until flexible hiring is the norm not the exception, what candidates need is practical know-how of raising their need for flexibility when interviewing and tackling the nervousness about when to mention the F-word.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The authors also found that both university and clinical nursing personnel supported the 'knowledgeable doers' with a high level of theoretical knowledge combined with practical know how [ 22].

BMC Nursing

Though some of these skills are immediately transferable to the workforce, graduates are less likely to make use of them at work than they are the practical office know-how like good communication and consultation, professionalism, time management and long-term planning across departments.

The Guardian - Opinion

A true alternative to in-house resources offers a very high level of practical experience, know-how, contacts, and confidentiality.

Bplans

A true alternative to in-house resources we offer a very high level of practical experience, know-how, contacts, and confidentiality.

Bplans

In addition to patents, industry is interested in gaining access to practical and theoretical know-how where there is no established patent position.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "practical know-how" to emphasize their hands-on skills and real-world experience. For example, "She has the practical know-how to solve complex problems on the job."

Common error

Avoid using "practical know-how" when referring to theoretical understanding or academic knowledge. "Practical know-how" specifically denotes skills and abilities gained through experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical know-how" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes a specific type of knowledge: the kind that is hands-on and experience-based. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science & Research

8%

Cover Letter

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practical know-how" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the possession of hands-on skills and real-world expertise. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and business-related documents. When using this phrase, focus on its application to real-world contexts, avoiding confusion with purely theoretical knowledge. For alternative expressions, consider "hands-on expertise" or "applied knowledge" to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hands-on expertise

Focuses on experience gained through direct involvement and action.

real-world skills

Highlights skills applicable to actual, as opposed to theoretical, situations.

applied knowledge

Emphasizes knowledge that has been put to use.

working knowledge

Suggests a level of understanding sufficient for practical application.

technical proficiency

Implies a high level of skill in a technical field.

practical skill set

Highlights a collection of skills useful in practical contexts.

street smarts

Indicates savvy and resourcefulness in navigating everyday life.

on-the-job training

Emphasizes learning through work experience.

tacit knowledge

Refers to knowledge that is difficult to articulate or write down.

experiential learning

Highlights the process of learning through experience.

FAQs

How can I improve my "practical know-how"?

You can enhance your "practical know-how" by seeking hands-on experience, engaging in real-world projects, and learning from experienced professionals.

What does "practical know-how" mean in a job description?

In a job description, "practical know-how" typically refers to the skills and experience necessary to perform the job effectively, indicating that the candidate should be capable of applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Which is more important, theoretical knowledge or "practical know-how"?

The relative importance of theoretical knowledge and "practical know-how" depends on the context. While theoretical knowledge provides a foundation, "practical know-how" enables effective application. Ideally, a balance of both is desirable.

What are some alternatives to "practical know-how"?

You can use alternatives like "hands-on expertise", "real-world skills", or "applied knowledge" depending on the specific context.