A2 Collocation محايد 2 دقيقة للقراءة

develop skills

Improve abilities

Use this phrase to show you are working hard to improve your talents or professional abilities.

في 15 ثانية

  • To practice and improve a specific ability over time.
  • Used for professional growth, hobbies, and personal self-improvement.
  • A positive way to describe learning and getting better.

المعنى

To develop skills means to practice and learn something new until you get better at it. It is like leveling up in a video game but for your real-life abilities.

أمثلة رئيسية

3 من 6
1

In a job interview

I am eager to develop my leadership skills in this role.

I want to improve my ability to lead people in this job.

💼
2

Talking about a hobby

I've been playing guitar to develop my musical skills.

I'm practicing guitar to get better at music.

🤝
3

Texting a friend about a class

This coding bootcamp is helping me develop some crazy skills!

This class is making me really good at programming!

😊
🌍

خلفية ثقافية

The phrase reflects the Western 'Protestant Work Ethic' and the modern 'Growth Mindset' popularized by psychologists like Carol Dweck. It emphasizes that abilities are not fixed at birth but can be grown through persistence. In the 21st-century 'gig economy,' this phrase has become a buzzword for staying competitive in the job market.

💡

Pair it with 'Soft' or 'Hard'

In English, we often say `develop soft skills` (like talking to people) or `develop hard skills` (like math or coding).

⚠️

Don't say 'Grow Skills'

While 'grow' sounds similar, we almost always use `develop` or `build` for skills. 'Grow' is for plants or businesses!

في 15 ثانية

  • To practice and improve a specific ability over time.
  • Used for professional growth, hobbies, and personal self-improvement.
  • A positive way to describe learning and getting better.

What It Means

To develop skills is the process of growing your talents. It is not just about learning a fact. It is about getting better at doing something through practice. Imagine you are learning to cook. At first, you burn the toast. Later, you make a five-course meal. You have developed your cooking skills. It is a journey from 'I can't' to 'I'm an expert.'

How To Use It

You use this phrase when talking about progress. It usually follows a verb like want to, need to, or hope to. You can develop coding skills, social skills, or even knitting skills. It sounds very positive and proactive. It shows you are working hard to improve yourself. Just pair develop with the specific skill you are working on.

When To Use It

This phrase is perfect for job interviews. It shows you are eager to learn. Use it when talking about your hobbies too. It works well in school settings or performance reviews. Use it when you want to sound motivated. It is great for New Year's resolutions. Tell your friends you want to develop your photography skills this year.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it for simple, one-time tasks. You don't develop the skill of taking out the trash. It is for things that require time and effort. Avoid using it for natural physical growth. You don't develop the skill of getting taller. That just happens! Also, if you are already a master, use refine instead of develop to sound more advanced.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, 'self-improvement' is a huge deal. People love the idea of 'growth mindsets.' This phrase became very popular with the rise of modern office culture. It suggests that anyone can become anything with enough work. It reflects a culture that values constant learning and personal evolution. It is the language of the 'go-getter.'

Common Variations

You might hear people say build skills or hone skills. Build sounds a bit more like starting from zero. Hone sounds like you are already good but want to be perfect. You can also say acquire skills in very formal documents. In casual talk, people often just say get better at something. But develop skills is the classic, reliable choice for any situation.

ملاحظات الاستخدام

This is a safe, versatile phrase. It works in 90% of situations. Just remember that it implies a process that takes time, not an instant change.

💡

Pair it with 'Soft' or 'Hard'

In English, we often say `develop soft skills` (like talking to people) or `develop hard skills` (like math or coding).

⚠️

Don't say 'Grow Skills'

While 'grow' sounds similar, we almost always use `develop` or `build` for skills. 'Grow' is for plants or businesses!

💬

The 'Skillset' Secret

Native speakers often use the word `skillset` to describe the whole group of skills you have developed. It's a very common 'corporate' word.

أمثلة

6
#1 In a job interview
💼

I am eager to develop my leadership skills in this role.

I want to improve my ability to lead people in this job.

Shows ambition and a willingness to learn.

#2 Talking about a hobby
🤝

I've been playing guitar to develop my musical skills.

I'm practicing guitar to get better at music.

Connects a fun activity to personal growth.

#3 Texting a friend about a class
😊

This coding bootcamp is helping me develop some crazy skills!

This class is making me really good at programming!

Uses 'crazy' to add informal emphasis.

#4 A humorous realization
😄

I really need to develop the skill of waking up without five alarms.

I need to learn how to wake up easier.

Uses a formal phrase for a funny, relatable struggle.

#5 Encouraging a child
💭

You are developing great social skills by sharing your toys.

You are learning how to be a good friend.

Focuses on character development.

#6 Discussing a team project
💼

We need to develop our communication skills to finish this on time.

We need to talk better to each other to finish.

Identifies a group area for improvement.

اختبر نفسك

Choose the best word to complete the sentence about professional growth.

To get a promotion, Sarah needs to ___ her management skills.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: develop

We use `develop` with `skills` to describe the process of improvement.

Complete the sentence regarding a new hobby.

I am taking a painting class to ___ my creative skills.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: develop

Classes are a common way to `develop skills` in a specific area.

🎉 النتيجة: /2

وسائل تعلم بصرية

Formality of 'Develop Skills'

Informal

Get better at

I'm getting better at chess.

Neutral

Develop skills

I want to develop my chess skills.

Formal

Acquire competencies

The candidate has acquired various competencies.

Where to use 'Develop Skills'

Develop Skills
💼

Office/Work

Develop technical skills.

🎓

School/Uni

Develop research skills.

🍳

Personal Life

Develop cooking skills.

🤝

Socializing

Develop people skills.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes! You can develop your basketball skills or develop your swimming skills through practice.

Usually, it is plural (skills) because you are learning many small parts of a bigger ability. Use singular if you mean one specific talent.

Not at all. It is neutral. You can say it to a friend when talking about your new hobby without sounding like a robot.

Learn is the start (getting the info). Develop is the process (practicing until you are actually good at it).

Yes, you can say I developed my skills to talk about something you already learned.

This is a common phrase for social skills. You develop people skills to get better at talking and working with others.

Usually, people develop skills. A company might provide training so its employees can develop their skills.

Yes, they are almost identical. Develop sounds a bit more like a journey or a long-term project.

No, develop skills is almost always positive. You wouldn't say you are 'developing the skill' of being lazy.

These are skills you develop in one job (like organization) that you can use in a different job later.

عبارات ذات صلة

Hone your craft

To practice something until it is perfect, usually for art or specialized work.

Master a skill

To become completely expert at something.

Upskill

A modern word for learning new skills to stay good at your job.

Learn the ropes

To learn the basic skills for a specific job or activity.

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