real know how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real know how" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "real know-how," which refers to practical knowledge or expertise in a particular area. Example: "To succeed in this industry, you need real know-how in digital marketing strategies."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Now, he's back on the label with Thailand (The Tourist in Me), a two-track EP which sees him dusting off an acoustic guitar and singing about a budding relationship: "let's make this last, don't move too fast/make it for real, know how you feel".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He said, 'Well, our productivity is our income.'" To guffaws, Mr. Obama added that "those of us who've spent time out here in the real world" know how hard it can be to make ends meet on a fixed or dwindling income.

The New York Times

Real also know how to grind out results but, in Cristiano Ronaldo, Mourinho has the most effervescent of attacking talents and one Ferguson knows all too well.

BBC

Paula's astute observation: "Real men know how to wear pink".

Huffington Post

The terrorist peril that threatens us is real but we know how to fight it.

Independent

But the "Real World" producers know how to put on a show.

The New York Times - Arts

The weather will make you feel at home, we drink more tea than Brits and we make real Guinness and know how to pour it properly.

The Guardian

"If you want authenticity, you need the real guys who know how to move and know what to say in ways we outsiders don't, not hired hands with appliquéd decals".

The New York Times - Style

It takes practice and real skill to know how to pull the nuanced flavors from the herbs and the bones — each slurp a delicate balance of star anise, cloves, ginger and just the faintest hint of cinnamon.

Los Angeles Times

A real politician would know how important it is to play nice with a huge newspaper like the Globe and would love the opportunity to get an anti-tax message out there.

Vice

Real cool people know how to be cool without the influence of drugs and alcohol.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrases like "genuine expertise" or "practical skills" for improved grammatical correctness, depending on your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid writing "real know how" without the hyphen. The correct form is "real know-how." This small change significantly improves the phrase's grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real know how" functions as a noun phrase, aiming to describe the possession of practical skill or expertise. According to Ludwig AI, the proper way to express it is using the term "real know-how".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "real know how" refers to practical expertise. However, according to Ludwig AI, the correct form is "real know-how" (with a hyphen). It's a noun phrase often used to emphasize someone's genuine abilities, particularly in professional or technical contexts. While examples can be found in news media, remember that using the hyphenated form improves grammatical correctness. When in doubt, consider alternative phrases like "genuine expertise" or "practical skills".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine expertise

Replaces "real know how" with terms that emphasize authenticity and deep knowledge.

practical skills

Focuses on the application of knowledge, highlighting hands-on capabilities.

demonstrated competence

Emphasizes proven ability and effectiveness in a specific area.

deep understanding

Highlights the thoroughness and depth of knowledge.

proven proficiency

Stresses documented skills and abilities.

established track record

Highlights past successes and a history of expertise.

seasoned professional

Conveys experience and maturity in a particular field.

technical acumen

Emphasizes skill and insight in technical matters.

hands-on experience

Highlights practical, direct involvement and skill.

substantial expertise

Indicates a significant amount of knowledge and skill.

FAQs

What does "real know-how" mean?

"Real know-how" refers to genuine and practical expertise or skill in a particular area. It suggests a deep understanding and competence that comes from experience.

How do I properly use "real know-how" in a sentence?

Use "real know-how" to describe someone's expertise. For example, "To succeed in this role, you need "genuine expertise" in project management."

Is "real know how" grammatically correct?

No, "real know how" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "real know-how," with a hyphen.

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

Alternatives include "practical skills", "demonstrated competence", or "deep understanding". The best choice depends on the specific context.