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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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won skill

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "won skill" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be a misunderstanding or misphrasing, as "won" does not appropriately modify "skill" in this context. Example: "He has won skill in playing the piano after years of practice."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here's how it breaks down: toughness = wins, skill = you're a European pansy.

News & Media

Vice

What has he accomplished on his own, with his own hard won skills?

News & Media

Huffington Post

"They won the skill competition again, two games in a row against us".

Willingham tried to study the law himself, reading books such as "Tact in Court, or How Lawyers Win: Containing Sketches of Cases Won by Skill, Wit, Art, Tact, Courage and Eloquence".

News & Media

The New Yorker

Algorithmic feeds aren't bad, they're just more of what we already have with Facebook — a place where every piece of content competes for eyeballs, where social media is won with skill and strategy rather than authenticity.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Games are rarely won by skill alone.

There can be no denying, either, that the hard-won skill that has won him 48 fights has also made him the most powerful individual in boxing and, unless Andre Berto defies all form and logic, Mayweather will reaffirm that status and equal Marciano's famous record late on the Saturday evening of 12 September.

Skillful Americans The North America team won the skills competition, 15-13.

BUSY WEEKEND FOR NASH One night after carrying the Olympic torch in Vancouver, British Columbia, and helping light the caldron, Steve Nash won the skills challenge.

News & Media

The New York Times

He won the skills competition at the 2014 McDonald's All-American Game and posted the only double-double in the 2014 Jordan Brand Classic.

Earlier, Miami's James Jones held off Boston teammates Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to win his first 3-point shootout, and Golden State's Stephen Curry won the Skills Challenge.

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "won skill", opt for phrases like "acquired skill", "gained proficiency", or "developed expertise" to accurately convey the idea of obtaining or improving a skill.

Common error

Avoid using "won" to describe the development or acquisition of a skill. "Won" typically applies to competitions or games, not abstract concepts like skill. Use verbs such as "acquired", "gained", or "developed" instead.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

1.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "won skill" is grammatically incorrect. The verb "win" typically relates to contests or competitions, not the development of abilities. Ludwig AI identifies this as an error, suggesting that "acquired skill" or "gained skill" would be more appropriate.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "won skill" is considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's not appropriate to use "won" in relation to skill development; instead, consider using "acquired", "gained", or "developed". Since there are no instances of its correct usage, this expression should be avoided in both formal and informal contexts to ensure clarity and accuracy. Always aim for standard English to effectively convey your intended meaning.

FAQs

What are correct alternatives to the phrase "won skill"?

The phrase "won skill" is not standard English. You can use alternatives such as "acquired skill", "gained proficiency", or "developed expertise".

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

You can use "acquire skill" in a sentence like: "She worked hard to "acquire skill" in playing the piano".

What is the difference between "gained skill" and "won skill"?

"Won skill" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "gained skill", which means to improve or develop a skill over time.

Is it appropriate to use "won skill" in formal writing?

No, it is not appropriate to use "won skill" in formal writing as it is grammatically incorrect and not recognized in standard English. Use formal alternatives such as "attained skill" or "developed skill" instead.

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