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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Hands-on expertise
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"hands-on expertise" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it to refer to a person's practical experience and skill in an area, especially when this skill was gained through direct experience rather than through study or training. For example, "The new supervisor has a lot of hands-on expertise in project management."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
11 human-written examples
He had hands-on expertise in exactly this type of situation, exactly this field.
News & Media
We also like to find people with specific hands-on expertise.
News & Media
"He is a genuine theater cat in a serious way, who has hands-on expertise in all facets of theater production".
News & Media
On first run-through, the show is especially exhilarating, alive with a sense of trans-cultural savvy, free-ranging imagination and hands-on expertise.
News & Media
Shanduka, for instance, has a pair of philanthropic foundations, including an adopt-a-school program that invests money and hands-on expertise in remedies for the country's abysmal public-school system.
News & Media
Reliance on outside contractors has left personnel at NASA centers like the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., and the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., with little hands-on expertise.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
Even though PCAST has a higher profile, and thus is more likely to be able to bend the President's ear, they have less hands on expertise in nano-EHS research.
Science & Research
He even confessed that he'd been taught how to construct a car bomb himself while training at Langley, a passing remark that left you wondering just how hands-on his expertise was.
News & Media
"Professor Moniz has the hands-on experience and the expertise needed to help further the climate and energy goals our country urgently needs," Frances Beinecke, president of the group, said in a statement on Monday.
News & Media
The essential attributes of good leadership for aged care middle management are a hands-on accessibility and professional expertise in nurturing respect, recognition and team building, along with effective communication and flexibility.
Science
It is essential to include local health workers and staff, because these individuals typically have hands-on experience, knowledge, and expertise in working directly with people with dementia in their culture and context, and in providing services to them.
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When describing someone's qualifications, use "hands-on expertise" to emphasize practical skills gained through direct involvement. This term is especially useful in fields where experience is highly valued.
⚠ Common error
While "hands-on expertise" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in overly formal or academic writing. In such contexts, consider more sophisticated synonyms like "practical proficiency" or "experiential competence."
Linguistic Context
The phrase "hands-on expertise" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI states, it emphasizes practical skills and knowledge. Examples show it describing qualifications and capabilities in various fields.
Expression frequency: Rare
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Formal & Business
33%
⚠ Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "hands-on expertise" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe practical skills gained through direct experience. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides real-world examples from sources like The New York Times and The Economist. While relatively rare, it’s appropriate for professional, news, and scientific contexts. When writing, emphasize the direct involvement aspect and consider synonyms like "practical know-how" in more formal settings. The phrase is often used to highlight a person's competence or capabilities, particularly when experience is highly valued.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
practical know-how
Focuses on the practical aspect, emphasizing skill acquired through practice.
real-world skill
Emphasizes that skill is applicable in actual situations.
working knowledge
Highlights the ability to use knowledge effectively in real-world situations.
applied skills
Emphasizes the application of skills in a tangible way.
experiential proficiency
Highlights proficiency gained through experience.
on-the-job competence
Focuses on competence developed during work.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I effectively use "hands-on expertise" in a sentence?
Use "hands-on expertise" to highlight someone's practical skills and knowledge gained through direct experience. For example, "Her years as a field technician gave her significant "hands-on expertise" in troubleshooting equipment."
What are some alternatives to "hands-on expertise"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "practical know-how", "working knowledge", or "applied skills".
Is "hands-on expertise" formal or informal?
The phrase "hands-on expertise" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While widely accepted, it's best suited for professional and news contexts rather than purely academic writing. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "experiential proficiency".
What's the difference between "hands-on expertise" and "theoretical knowledge"?
"Hands-on expertise" refers to practical skills and understanding gained through direct involvement and experience, while "theoretical knowledge" refers to understanding concepts and principles without necessarily having practical experience. They represent different but valuable aspects of competence.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested