to acquire proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to acquire proficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of gaining skill or expertise in a particular area or subject. Example: "To succeed in this field, it is essential to acquire proficiency in both technical and soft skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"You need to acquire proficiency," she says.

The Guardian

Otolaryngology is a highly technical and demanding specialty and the requirements for surgical trainees to acquire proficiency remains challenging.

Journal of Surgical Education

The department also encourages students to acquire proficiency in foreign languages and study at one of Stanford's overseas programs.

Stanford University

is determined to have, and maintains, certified proficiency under subsection (d) in a skill designated as critical by the Secretary concerned or is in training to acquire proficiency in a critical foreign language or expertise in foreign cultural studies or a related skill designated as critical by the Secretary concerned.

Cornell University

The Secretary concerned may pay incentive pay to a person enrolled in an officer training program to also participate in an education or training program to acquire proficiency in a critical foreign language or expertise in foreign cultural studies or a related skill designated as critical by the Secretary concerned.

Cornell University

As more is done to provide opportunities that enable ambitious and talented youth from any social group to acquire proficiency at warrior skills, at some point the complaint that none but the wealthy have a chance to enter the warrior class begins to sound hollow.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The board's intention, they now said, was to make sure black children acquire proficiency in standard English language skills.

The New Yorker

The resources of the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Divisions combine to offer a curricular track aimed at acquiring proficiency in both areas.

University of California, Berkeley

For #2 above, you can acquire proficiency by attending sign classes, making deaf friends and socializing with them (the best way to learn).

WikiHow

Students acquire proficiency in Swahili at an accelerated pace through intensive listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with special insight into Swahili-speaking cultures.

Stanford University

German majors acquire proficiency in examining literary, philosophical, and historical texts in the original, as well as critical understanding of modern German culture and society.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to acquire proficiency", specify the area in which proficiency is being acquired to provide context and clarity. For example: "to acquire proficiency in data analysis".

Common error

Avoid using "to acquire proficiency" without specifying the skill or area of knowledge. Saying "to acquire proficiency" without further context can be vague and leave the reader wondering what exactly is being learned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to acquire proficiency" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It often introduces a clause explaining the reason for an action or the desired outcome, such as in the Ludwig examples where students are encouraged to acquire proficiency in languages.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

50%

Science

25%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to acquire proficiency" serves as a grammatically correct and purpose-driven infinitive phrase, denoting the aim of gaining expertise or competence in a specific skill or area. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase commonly appears in academic, scientific, and news contexts, showcasing its formal tone. Though not exceedingly frequent, its usage is well-established, with authoritative sources like Stanford University and The Guardian employing it. To ensure clarity, specify the skill or knowledge being acquired, and be mindful that more informal alternatives exist for casual settings. With these guidelines, you're well-equipped to use "to acquire proficiency" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to gain competence

Replaces "proficiency" with "competence", implying a sufficient level of skill.

to develop expertise

Substitutes "acquire proficiency" with "develop expertise", focusing on the process of building deep knowledge.

to attain mastery

Uses "attain mastery" instead of "acquire proficiency", suggesting a high level of skill and control.

to cultivate skill

Replaces "acquire proficiency" with "cultivate skill", emphasizing the nurturing aspect of skill development.

to build up knowledge

Focuses on the accumulation of knowledge as a means of achieving proficiency.

to become skilled in

Shifts the focus to the state of being skilled, rather than the act of acquiring proficiency.

to hone one's craft

Employs a more metaphorical expression, suggesting the refinement of skills through practice.

to sharpen abilities

Replaces "proficiency" with "abilities", and uses the verb "sharpen" to indicate improvement.

to perfect techniques

Focuses on the refinement of specific techniques to achieve proficiency.

to master the art of

Uses a more artistic and expressive term to convey the acquisition of skill.

FAQs

How can I use "to acquire proficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "to acquire proficiency" to describe the process of gaining skills or knowledge in a particular area. For example, "Students need "to acquire proficiency" in multiple programming languages to succeed in this course".

What are some alternatives to "to acquire proficiency"?

Some alternatives to "to acquire proficiency" include "to gain competence", "to develop expertise", or "to attain mastery", depending on the level of skill you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "to acquire proficiency" or "to gain proficiency"?

Both "to acquire proficiency" and "to gain proficiency" are correct and usable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, as "acquire" suggests a more active process of obtaining something.

Is "to acquire proficiency" formal or informal?

"To acquire proficiency" leans towards the formal side, especially in academic and professional contexts. In more informal settings, simpler phrases like "to get good at" or "to learn well" might be more suitable.