All-around competence

USAGE SUMMARY

"All-around competence" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who has a wide range of skills or abilities in various areas. An example: "Her all-around competence makes her an invaluable team member." Alternative expressions include "well-rounded skills" and "versatile abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It won't be easy, but I'm sure he'll find a way to approach my wit, charm, sophistication, and all-around competence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pakistan has played with an all-around confidence, competence and unity of spirit that recalls its victory in the 2009 World Twenty20.

The New York Times - Sports

These stars reflect the true situation of American women: High levels of competence, idealism and all-around effectiveness are by now pretty much the norm out there in the land of reality.

The Washington Post

Attendees lost some faith in their hosts' competence, and soon a sad photo of a ball pit that was nothing more than a pretentious kiddie pool (see below) became the context-free symbol for the all-around failure of the event.

Vice

Key words around competence and areas of speciality are important.

The Guardian

And, in many ways, it's a contrast based less around ideology per se than around competence.

The Guardian - Opinion

The foreign secretary, William Hague, "has sent out instructions all around the world to be aware of competence creep".

The Guardian

Mr. Lidington said Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, had "sent out instructions all around the world to be aware of competence creep".

The New York Times

Good news all around.

The New York Times

Competence-based education (CBE) is organised around competences, or predefined abilities, as outcomes of the curriculum.

Global Health Action

The various ventures are listed all around the business development competence, as satellites, or quasi-independent business activities, which are shown to be associated with various categories such as Airport Services and Northern Enterprises.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all-around competence" to highlight someone's comprehensive skill set, especially when they excel in various areas rather than one specific domain. This emphasizes their adaptability and value in diverse roles.

Common error

While "all-around competence" is acceptable, avoid using it in overly formal or academic writing where more precise and technical language might be preferred. Opt for specific skill descriptions instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all-around competence" functions as a descriptive term, typically modifying a noun (e.g., "all-around competence makes her invaluable"). It highlights a person's or entity's broad range of skills. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all-around competence" describes a broad range of skills and abilities, making someone or something versatile and adaptable. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English, although it appears more frequently in neutral contexts. While the phrase is valid, remember that in more formal or academic settings, you might want to opt for more specific or technical language. Related phrases include "comprehensive skill set" and "well-rounded ability".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Comprehensive skill set

Focuses on the breadth of skills rather than general competence.

Versatile capability

Highlights adaptability and range of abilities.

Broad proficiency

Emphasizes skill level across multiple areas.

General aptitude

Suggests a natural talent or ability across various tasks.

Well-rounded ability

Emphasizes a balance and diversity of skills.

Multi-skilled

A more concise way to describe having many skills.

Across-the-board expertise

Highlights expertise in multiple domains.

Wide-ranging capabilities

Focuses on the scope and extent of abilities.

Diverse skillset

Highlights the variety of skills possessed.

Global competence

Implies competence is general and not limited to specific skills or area.

FAQs

How can I use "all-around competence" in a sentence?

You might say, "Her "all-around competence" makes her a valuable asset to the team" or "The project required someone with "all-around competence" in both marketing and finance".

What are some alternatives to "all-around competence"?

Consider using alternatives such as "comprehensive skill set", "versatile capability", or "well-rounded ability" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is "all-around competence" formal or informal?

"All-around competence" is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for a variety of contexts, but it leans slightly towards the informal side. For highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise or technical alternatives.

What does "all-around competence" mean?

It refers to having a broad and well-developed range of skills and abilities, indicating proficiency in various areas rather than specialization in one particular field.