a competent work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a competent work" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form would be "competent work" without the article "a." Example: "The project was praised for its competent work in addressing the issues at hand."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

There is little to recommend it architecturally other than as a competent work of civic design.

The New York Times

There must also be major investments in all forms of education, whether public, private or parochial, to assure that there is a competent work force for the future.

The New York Times

He believes that just as states provide incentives to lure plants or office complexes, developing a competent work force can be an economic development tool, particularly in today's tenuous economy.

The New York Times

Civil service protections have prevented the corruption and cronyism he decried as "toxic" in other societies (Op-Ed, Sept. 11), and collective bargaining has made good on the promise of a competent work force unbowed before the political winds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

First, most of their institutions have international program offices that know attorneys who do a lot of competent work in immigration law.

Science Magazine

"We have a very skilled and competent work force and the last thing we want to do is lose them when we're assuming this economy is going to come back," said Craig Reider, the company's director of human resources.

The New York Times

However, a combination of formal learning programmes and some fantastic mentors made me not only a competent social work assistant, but opened many doors for me.

The Guardian

It's a problem that also afflicted Claudia Schreier's "Excursions," a quartet to Barber that is heavy on Balanchine citations; John-Mark Owen's lugubrious "Ah, Mio Cor," set to the divine Handel aria from "Alcina"; and Lauren Birnbaum's "Navarasa," a competent group work in the Jiri Kylian-Nacho Duato choreographic tradition of a vaguely anguished community.

The New York Times - Arts

Some heralded him as a visionary committed to getting outsized municipal spending under control, while others labeled him an ideologue hellbent on dismantling a competent government work force.

Los Angeles Times

Until quite recently, the protocol for a woman subjected to such attacks was to rise above them, brushing off all the negative attention (and even some of the positive), projecting an air of being occupied in stolid, competent work.

The New York Times - Magazine

Despite the caring, competent work by many, obstetrics is a specialty particularly hard hit by malpractice and malpractice lawyers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing work quality, use "competent work" without the article "a". For example, say "The team delivered competent work" instead of "The team delivered a competent work".

Common error

Avoid using the indefinite article "a" before "competent work" as it's grammatically incorrect. "Competent work" functions as a noun phrase describing the quality of work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as a noun phrase describing the quality of the work performed. While Ludwig AI notes it's grammatically incorrect with the article "a", it aims to express that the work is proficient and meets expectations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a competent work" is grammatically incorrect, according to Ludwig AI. The correct form is simply "competent work" without the article "a". This phrase is used to describe work that is proficient and meets the required standards. While it appears in various sources like The New York Times and Forbes, users should avoid using the article "a" to maintain grammatical correctness. Related phrases like "proficient undertaking" or "skilled piece" can be used as alternatives. The primary contexts for this phrase are news and media and science, but it is generally considered neutral in register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proficient undertaking

Emphasizes skill and expertise in the project.

capable endeavor

Highlights the ability to successfully complete the task.

skilled piece

Focuses on the artistry and technical skill involved.

adept creation

Implies inventiveness and cleverness in the work.

expertly executed task

Highlights precise and flawless accomplishment.

accomplished performance

Emphasizes the successful completion and high quality of the task.

high-caliber activity

Indicates the superior quality and standards of the work.

masterful job

Suggests exceptional skill and control in performing the task.

well-done assignment

Indicates a satisfactory or excellent completion of a required task.

effective operation

Highlights the successful and efficient execution of a process.

FAQs

What does "competent work" mean?

"Competent work" refers to work that is proficient, skillful, and meets the required standards or expectations. It implies the work has been done to a satisfactory or high level of quality.

How can I use "competent work" in a sentence?

You can use "competent work" in a sentence like: "The success of the project was due to the team's "competent work"" or "The company is known for its "competent work" in the industry."

What are some alternatives to "competent work"?

Alternatives to "competent work" include "skilled labor", "proficient job", or "capable performance". The choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a competent work"?

According to Ludwig, the phrase "a competent work" is not correct in standard written English. The correct usage is "competent work" without the indefinite article. You should say, "The team delivered competent work" instead of "a competent work".