practical skill

USAGE SUMMARY

"practical skill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to a type of knowledge or ability that someone has acquired through experience or training. For example, "Sally impressed her employers with her strong practical skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

See if someone who practices the practical skill you're trying to learn, will take you on as an apprentice.

WikiHow

Tutorials incorporated explicit teaching, case-based learning, problem-based learning and live practical skill demonstration and student practice.

BMC Medical Education

What a magical, soothing, practical skill.

The New Yorker

It's not about teaching knowledge, it's a practical skill".

The Guardian

The language suddenly seems mine for the taking, a practical skill.

The New Yorker

When one acquires a practical skill, one learns how to do something.

The New York Times

Ms. Arroyo, 76, pursued opera against her mother's urgings to find a more practical skill.

The New York Times - Arts

Practical skill test: This will be administered on human models with 1-on-1 with the examiner.

Cornell University

Those who successfully pass both written and practical skill tests will receive a "certificate of successful completion of the course".

Cornell University

On the last day of the course there will be a written multiple-choice test and a practical skill test.

Cornell University

One of the employability skills lacking among fresh graduates is the practical skill needed for school-to-work transition.

Journal of Vocational Behavior

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill, be specific about its application. For example, instead of just saying "practical skill", specify the type of skill, such as "practical coding skill" or "practical woodworking skill".

Common error

Avoid using "practical skill" as a vague descriptor. Instead, provide context. Saying someone possesses "practical skill" is less informative than stating they have "practical problem-solving skills in crisis management".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical skill" functions as a noun phrase, where "practical" modifies the noun "skill". It describes a type of ability that is hands-on and applicable to real-world situations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "practical skill" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe abilities applicable in real-world scenarios. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from scientific and academic writing to news and media. When using "practical skill", aim for specificity, detailing the exact nature of the skill to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "hands-on skill" and "real-world ability" can add nuance depending on the context. By providing specific examples and avoiding vague descriptors, you can effectively communicate the value and relevance of the described skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hands-on skill

Emphasizes the physical and active nature of the skill.

know-how

Emphasizes the practical knowledge and ability to do something effectively.

real-world ability

Highlights the applicability of the skill to real-life situations.

applied competence

Focuses on the successful application of knowledge and abilities.

functional expertise

Stresses the utility and effectiveness of the skill for a specific function.

technical proficiency

Highlights competence in a specific technical domain.

actionable skillset

Highlights a set of skills that can be put into immediate action.

working knowledge

Focuses on the knowledge required to perform a task effectively.

street smarts

Suggests an intuitive and adaptable approach to solving problems in real-world situations.

tradecraft

Implies a specific and specialized practical skill, often associated with a particular profession or craft.

FAQs

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

You can use "practical skill" to describe an ability or competence that is useful in real-world situations. For example: "Learning a new language can provide you with a "functional skill" for travel and work." or "His "practical knowledge" and skill made him an invaluable asset to the team."

What is the difference between "practical skill" and "theoretical knowledge"?

"Practical skill" refers to the ability to apply knowledge and techniques effectively in real-world situations, while "theoretical knowledge" refers to understanding concepts and principles without necessarily knowing how to apply them.

What are some examples of "practical skills"?

Examples of "practical skills" include coding, cooking, sewing, carpentry, and financial management. These are skills that can be directly applied to solve problems or complete tasks.

What can I say instead of "practical skill"?

You can use alternatives like "hands-on skill", "real-world ability", or "applied competence" depending on the specific context.