technical know-how

USAGE SUMMARY

"technical know-how" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the knowledge and skills that are needed to complete a particular task or to understand a particular subject. For example, "He has a lot of technical know-how which allows him to fix complex machines quickly and efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The deciphering requires technical know-how.

The New York Times - Food

The government also helps with technical know-how and training.

The Economist

The family internist was sympathetic but lacked the technical know-how.

The New York Times - Health

With modest technical know-how, European internet users will be able to make American-style searches.

The Economist

"This itself is a challenge: the transmission of technical know-how".

The New York Times

Partners include groups like Cotton Inc., an American industry association that has provided technical know-how.

The New York Times

In practice, however, a certain amount of technical know-how is required.

The Economist

Transferring a management style, after all, is a lot harder than transferring technical know-how.

The Economist

They added that Mr. Crawford may have had the technical know-how to realize his goal.

The New York Times

Thanks largely to my technical know-how, the DVD sat, unusable, for months.

The New York Times

Or maybe technical know-how that could transform the world No4 into the world No1?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a specific skill or expertise, pair "technical know-how" with a related term to provide context. For example, "software engineering technical know-how".

Common error

Avoid using "technical know-how" as a catch-all term for any type of knowledge. Instead, be specific about the domain or skills involved. For instance, saying someone has "technical know-how" is vague; specifying "electrical engineering technical know-how" is more informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "technical know-how" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes a body of specialized knowledge and skills related to a specific technical field. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "technical know-how" is a widely used and grammatically sound noun phrase signifying expertise in a specific technical domain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It's primarily employed in news, scientific, and business contexts to describe the possession and application of specialized skills and knowledge. To ensure clarity, it's best to pair "technical know-how" with the relevant field. Related phrases include "technological expertise" and "practical knowledge". Understanding its precise meaning and avoiding overgeneralization will enhance the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

know-how

A shorter, more general form of the original phrase, often used informally.

technological expertise

Emphasizes the expertise specifically related to technology.

technical proficiency

Highlights the level of competence in technical skills.

technical capacity

Emphasizes the ability or capability to perform technical tasks effectively.

practical knowledge

Focuses on the applied aspect of knowledge rather than theoretical understanding.

specialized skills

Highlights the specific and refined skills in a particular technical area.

hands-on experience

Focuses on knowledge gained through direct practical involvement.

mastery of technique

Implies a high level of skill and control over a specific technical process.

engineering skill

Specific to the field of engineering.

applied science

Focuses on the practical application of scientific principles.

FAQs

How can I use "technical know-how" in a sentence?

You can use "technical know-how" to describe someone's expertise or skills in a particular area. For example, "The project requires someone with significant technical know-how in data analysis."

What's the difference between "technical know-how" and "practical knowledge"?

"Technical know-how" often implies a deeper understanding of underlying principles, while "practical knowledge" emphasizes hands-on experience and application. Both relate to the ability to do something effectively, but their focus differs.

What are some synonyms for "technical know-how"?

Synonyms for "technical know-how" include "technological expertise", "specialized skills", and "technical proficiency". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "technical know-how skills"?

Yes, it's generally redundant. "Technical know-how" already implies skills, so adding "skills" is unnecessary. Simply use "technical know-how" to convey the meaning effectively.