I'm really good at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'm really good at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in many different contexts when you want to express your proficiency in a certain area. For example, you might use it when writing a resume: "I'm really good at problem-solving and handling customer service issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm really good at airports.

The New York Times

I'm really good at war".

The New Yorker

I'm really good at detachment myself.

The Guardian - Books

CRUZ: I'm really good at warrior one.

The New Yorker

I'm really good at playing center.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm really good at fucking," he clarified.

The New Yorker

"I'm really good at whipping up meals.

The New York Times

"I'm really good at translating him," he said.

The New York Times

I found that I'm really good at it.

The New York Times - Sports

Which is unfortunate, because I'm really good at running baths.

The Guardian

"It's one thing I'm really good at," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'm really good at" in contexts where you want to express confidence and competence without sounding overly boastful.

Common error

While "I'm really good at" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "I excel at" or "I'm proficient in" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm really good at" functions as a self-assessment, indicating one's proficiency or competence in a specific skill or activity. It combines a personal pronoun, a verb of being, an intensifier, an adjective, and a preposition to form a complete predicate, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I'm really good at" is a common and acceptable way to express proficiency in a particular skill or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile for many situations. The phrase is found most frequently in news and media sources, and less so in academic contexts. To add variety to your writing, consider using synonyms like "I excel at" or "I'm proficient in". When using the phrase, specificity and context are key to making the most impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I excel at

This alternative uses a more formal verb to indicate a high level of skill.

I'm proficient in

Replaces "good at" with "proficient in", indicating a high degree of competence, often in a professional context.

I'm skilled at

This alternative uses the adjective "skilled" instead of "good", emphasizing the acquired expertise.

I'm adept at

Using "adept" offers a more sophisticated way to say someone is naturally talented or skilled.

I have a knack for

This idiom suggests a natural talent or aptitude for something.

I'm talented in

Replaces "good at" with "talented in", highlighting inherent ability.

I'm a pro at

This is a more informal way of saying you are very experienced and skilled.

I'm an expert in

Emphasizes a high level of knowledge and skill in a specific area.

I'm highly competent in

A formal alternative, indicating a strong ability to perform effectively.

I'm accomplished in

Suggests a high level of achievement and skill through dedicated practice.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I'm really good at"?

You can use alternatives like "I excel at", "I'm proficient in", or "I'm skilled at" depending on the context.

How do I use "I'm really good at" in a sentence?

You can use "I'm really good at" followed by a specific skill or activity. For example, "I'm really good at problem-solving" or "I'm really good at playing the piano".

Is it too informal to say "I'm really good at" in a professional setting?

While "I'm really good at" is generally acceptable, in some formal professional settings, you might prefer more formal alternatives like "I'm proficient in" or "I'm highly competent in".

Which is correct, "I'm really good at" or "I'm really good in"?

"I'm really good at" is the correct and more common phrasing. The preposition "at" is used to indicate skill or proficiency in a particular area, whereas using the preposition "in" is grammatically incorrect.