skillfully apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skillfully apply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the effective and proficient use of a skill or knowledge in a particular context. Example: "In her role as a project manager, she was able to skillfully apply her negotiation skills to secure better terms for the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Learn how to skillfully apply make-up.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The couple's makeup was so skillfully applied that only the most observant could detect this.

The New Yorker

She believes that history, skillfully applied and deeply understood, can save the world.

The New Yorker

Marquetry, inlay, veneering, and lacquerwork were all skillfully applied to the decorative furniture of Queen Anne design.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Soviet Empire skillfully applied ideological penetration alongside the older military, political, and economic techniques of empire building.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Skillfully applied by the director, Tamilla Woodard, this stagecraft reinforces affecting performances by the actors who play the despairing souls placed in harm's way.

The New York Times

Claude was a gifted mathematician, with expertise in real analysis, measures, integration and probability, which he skillfully applied to project management and process improvement.

The New York Times

In this method, a core was craftily trimmed in such a manner that a skillfully applied last blow would detach a large, preshaped flake directly usable as an implement; the core was discarded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Waterworn and hence rounded, up to about the size of a fist, the pebble, preferably flattish rather than spherical, was given a few violent but skillfully applied blows by a hammerstone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dual track architecture and the MSCs were skillfully applied to the sensor.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

A theory of bubbling behaviors induced by gas permeating through a porous medium is skillfully applied to analyze the mechanisms of anti-water coning by injecting nitrogen.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing expertise in performing a task, use "skillfully apply" to emphasize both the proficiency and the direct action of implementation. For example, "The surgeon skillfully applied the new technique, resulting in a faster recovery for the patient."

Common error

Avoid using "skillfully apply" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler phrases like "use well" or "handle expertly" might be more appropriate in everyday conversation or less formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skillfully apply" functions as a verb phrase where "skillfully" modifies the verb "apply", indicating the manner in which the action is performed. Ludwig provides examples where it describes how someone uses a skill or knowledge effectively. It is also used to describe how a director uses the stagecraft reinforcing affecting performances by the actors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skillfully apply" is a phrase used to describe the competent and effective implementation of a skill, method, or knowledge. Ludwig AI highlights the grammatical correctness of the phrase and its appropriateness for emphasizing the quality of application. While it is considered rare in general usage, it's more common in neutral to professional contexts, such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific documents. Related phrases include "adeptly utilize" and "expertly implement", but it's important to avoid using it in overly casual settings. The key takeaway is to employ "skillfully apply" when you want to underscore not just the action of applying something, but the expertise and proficiency involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adeptly utilize

Replaces "skillfully apply" with synonyms emphasizing expertise and implementation.

expertly implement

Focuses on the expertise involved in putting something into effect, similar to skillful application.

proficiently execute

Emphasizes the competence in carrying out a task or plan.

effectively administer

Highlights the efficient management and application of something.

resourcefully employ

Stresses the clever and inventive way of using available resources.

artfully manipulate

Implies a creative and skillful handling, often in a delicate manner.

deftly handle

Suggests nimbleness and skill in managing or dealing with something.

cleverly exploit

Focuses on the intelligent use of opportunities or resources.

judiciously use

Emphasizes the careful and wise application of something.

strategically implement

Highlights the planned and calculated execution of a strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "skillfully apply" in a sentence?

You can use "skillfully apply" to describe the proficient and effective use of a technique, method, or knowledge. For instance, "She can "adeptly utilize" her knowledge of the law" or "The artist "expertly implements" color theory in his paintings."

What are some alternatives to "skillfully apply"?

Alternatives to "skillfully apply" include "expertly implement", "proficiently execute", or "effectively administer", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "skillfully apply" or "apply skillfully"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "skillfully apply" places emphasis on the manner of application, whereas "apply skillfully" highlights the act of applying itself. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "skillfully apply" and "cleverly exploit"?

"Skillfully apply" emphasizes proficiency and effectiveness, while "cleverly exploit" suggests using something resourcefully, often to one's advantage. "Skillfully apply" is neutral, whereas "cleverly exploit" can have a slightly negative connotation.