a facility with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a facility with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's skill or proficiency in a particular area or subject. Example: "She has a facility with languages, allowing her to communicate fluently in several dialects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

You might have a facility with words or numbers or for connecting people or public speaking.

The Guardian

The introduction of Huddlestone for Pascal Chimbonda was one aspect of a facility with substitutions.

The Guardian - Sport

No doubt a facility with technology really does set this generation apart.

The New York Times - Magazine

We arrived at a facility with an outdoor court, enclosed by peeling pink cement walls.

The New Yorker

This is a facility with a wild, sweeping array of violations".

The New York Times

Creating such thangkas requires more than a facility with a paintbrush and knowledge of Buddhist thought.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Herreid also has other talents, including a facility with a small arsenal of instruments.

The New York Times - Arts

The junior high school was, in fact, abruptly closed last week for rebuilding into a facility with 200 individual bedrooms.

The New York Times

Amanda is mild-mannered yet she displays a facility with firearms not usually seen in a Westchester teenager.

The New York Times

His 1963 poem, I Am The Greatest, demonstrated a facility with rhythm and rhyme ("endurance"/ insurance") that anticipated hip-hop.

The Guardian - Sport

Kinsell runs Clay County Medical Center, a facility with four exam rooms built out of a former Tastee-Freez.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's skill, use "a facility with" to convey a natural ease or aptitude. Be sure to follow it with a specific noun phrase, such as "a facility with languages" or "a facility with numbers" to clearly define the area of expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "a facility with" when you actually mean a physical building or location that has certain features. In such cases, use "a facility with" + features, such as "a facility with a gym and a pool".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a facility with" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating someone's aptitude or skill. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples show it describing abilities in areas like languages, instruments, and technology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a facility with" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's natural aptitude or developed skill in a particular area. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently used in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, always follow "a facility with" with a specific noun phrase indicating the area of expertise, such as languages, numbers, or technology. Avoid confusing the word "facility" in this context with a physical place. Using alternative phrases like "a knack for" or "an aptitude for" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember that "a facility with" implies a natural ease, while "proficient in" suggests competence acquired through learning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a knack for

Focuses on an inherent talent or natural inclination, implying a more intuitive skill.

an aptitude for

Highlights a natural ability or potential for learning a skill.

a proficiency in

Emphasizes competence and expertise acquired through practice or training.

a talent for

Suggests a natural, often exceptional, ability.

an ease with

Implies a relaxed and effortless approach to a skill.

a competence in

Highlights the ability to perform a task effectively and efficiently.

a flair for

Suggests a distinctive and stylish way of doing something.

a mastery of

Indicates a comprehensive and thorough understanding and skill.

a capability for

Focuses on the potential to perform a certain action or task.

an expertness in

Suggests exceptional skill and knowledge in a specific field.

FAQs

How can I use "a facility with" in a sentence?

Use "a facility with" to describe someone's natural talent or ease in doing something. For instance, "She has "a facility with" languages and can easily pick up new dialects."

What are some alternatives to "a facility with"?

You can use alternatives such as "a knack for", "an aptitude for", or "a talent for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a facility in" instead of "a facility with"?

While "a facility in" is not incorrect, ""a facility with"" is more common and generally preferred when referring to a skill or aptitude. "A facility in" might be more appropriate when referring to a physical location or feature.

What's the difference between "a facility with" and "proficient in"?

"A facility with" suggests a natural ease or aptitude, while "proficient in" implies competence acquired through learning and practice. The former indicates inherent talent, whereas the latter highlights developed skill.