Highly proficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Highly proficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a very high level of skill or expertise in a particular area or subject. Example: "She is highly proficient in multiple programming languages, making her an invaluable asset to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Highly proficient test takers will be given harder questions and may get only half of them right, and the less proficient will be given easier questions and may also correctly answer 50percentt.

The New York Times

Highly proficient Late learners showed inhibitory effects of Form primes, whereas the less proficient group produced no priming effects of any type.

Journal of Memory and Language

Highly proficient Titania heterostructures were successfully developed on Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) substrate through the facile single step hydrothermal method where 18 h of autoclaving period resulted in the formation of nanorods with a scanty topping of nanoflowers.

Surface and Coatings Technology

First, you sort the cards according to one axis, for example, proficiency, which you would sort from "highly proficient" to "little or no skill".

Science Magazine

Searle started drawing at the age of five, and by 11 was producing highly proficient caricatures.

The Guardian - Books

Come to think of it, blackjack card counters are highly proficient at calculating and recalculating probabilities.

The New York Times - Books

Gibbs's mature style represents a highly proficient synthesis of both Baroque and Palladian sources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The biggest threat to airplanes comes from a single highly proficient bombmaker in the Yemen.

The Guardian

Almost all the artists represented were technically highly proficient (though most had trouble painting water very convincingly).

The New York Times - Arts

This strong technological base was reinforced by the Israeli military's investment in the city's advanced defence industries, which produced a regular flow of highly proficient talent.

The Guardian

(Mr. Kalyuzhny, who is also highly proficient in computer and accounting, helps with the financial end of the business operation as well).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly proficient" to emphasize a superior level of competence or skill, especially when contrasting with basic proficiency or average ability.

Common error

Avoid using "highly" with adjectives that already imply a high degree. For example, instead of saying "highly excellent", simply use "excellent". Overusing "highly" can make your writing sound redundant and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly proficient" functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun, indicating a high degree of skill or competence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly proficient" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase to describe a high level of skill or competence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is frequently found in scientific, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "extremely skilled" or "very competent" exist, "highly proficient" provides a clear and strong affirmation of expertise. Remember to avoid overuse of "highly" to maintain clarity and impact. As Ludwig's examples show, the phrase is versatile and applicable across numerous domains, emphasizing superior capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Highly skilled

Synonymous replacement, keeping the core meaning of possessing a high degree of skill.

Extremely skilled

Focuses on skill level, replacing 'proficient' with 'skilled' and intensifying it with 'extremely'.

Very competent

Substitutes 'proficient' with 'competent', emphasizing the ability to perform tasks effectively.

Remarkably skilled

Similar to 'extremely skilled' but with a slightly different nuance, emphasizing the notable quality of the skill.

Highly adept

Replaces 'proficient' with 'adept', highlighting natural skill or talent.

Highly capable

Focuses on the ability to do things effectively and skillfully.

Proficient

Shorter version, without the intensifier 'highly'.

Masterful

Implies a very high level of skill and control, suggesting mastery.

Expert

A single word that denotes a high level of skill and knowledge in a specific area.

Top-notch

An informal way to describe someone or something of very high quality or skill.

FAQs

How can I use "highly proficient" in a sentence?

You can use "highly proficient" to describe someone's skill level in a particular area. For example, "She is "highly proficient" in data analysis" or "He is "highly proficient" at project management".

What are some alternatives to saying "highly proficient"?

Alternatives to "highly proficient" include "extremely skilled", "very competent", or "highly adept". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "highly skilled and proficient"?

While "skilled" and "proficient" are similar, using both can emphasize the person's comprehensive abilities. However, ensure the context justifies this emphasis, as it might be perceived as slightly redundant. Otherwise, you may simply say "highly skilled".

What's the difference between "proficient" and "highly proficient"?

"Proficient" indicates a good level of competence, while "highly proficient" suggests a superior or advanced level of skill. The addition of "highly" amplifies the degree of expertise.