a general proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general proficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad level of skill or competence in a particular area or subject. Example: "The job requires a general proficiency in computer programming, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The award goes to a "senior woman of high scholastic rank who has demonstrated a general proficiency in athletics and the qualities of true sportsmanship". Aemisegger, one of Princeton's all-time top female swimmers, was a 13-time All-America selection and was 12-for-12 12-for-12 12-for-12innshIvy League

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Besides the translation task as the main criterion for vocabulary knowledge, we also included a more general proficiency test of English to examine its relationship with LexTALE.

Behavior Research Methods

Given the restrictions of a one-session online study, we chose the Quick Placement Test (2001; QPT) as a test for general proficiency level.

Behavior Research Methods

Therefore, Criterion® holistic scores seem to be an indicator of L2 general proficiency or writing proficiency in L2 use settings.

Language Testing in Asia

In case of a significant relationship between LexTALE and general proficiency level, LexTALE could be used as a rough indication of proficiency when no other, more accurate measure is available, as is the case in most psycholinguistic L2 experiments.

Behavior Research Methods

It is a hellacious challenge, defending this Pistol formation, operated by this San Francisco team, with its speedy quarterback and its read-option tendencies and its general proficiency at scoring a lot of points and gaining a lot of yards.

The New York Times - Sports

The award goes to "a male senior of high scholastic rank and outstanding qualities of sportsmanship and general proficiency in athletics". Frick, an All-America high jumper, won the Ivy League championship in the event four times during his Princeton career and was runner-up twice, competing indoors and outdoors.

Princeton University

Instrumentation included four questionnaires, a General English Proficiency (GEP) test, self-assessment, semi-structured interviews, and non-participant observations.

System

There were 213 EFL sophomore university students, so the researchers administered a general English proficiency test of Oxford Placement Test (OPT) in order to select homogenous groups of participants in the present study.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

However, both the GEPT and EPE are "general" proficiency exams.

Language Testing in Asia

In addition, in the lower proficiency group, the scores of neither item type correlated significantly with general proficiency; in the higher proficiency group, however, the items with semantically related distractors, as opposed to those with unrelated distractors, correlated significantly with learners' general proficiency.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing required skills for a role, use "a general proficiency" to indicate that you're looking for foundational competence rather than specialized expertise. This sets realistic expectations for potential candidates.

Common error

Avoid using "a general proficiency" when describing highly specialized roles. This phrase implies a basic level of skill, which may not align with positions requiring deep expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general proficiency" functions as a noun phrase that describes a level of competence or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in specifying the breadth of ability in a given area.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general proficiency" denotes a basic level of skill or competence, suitable for describing foundational abilities across various contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase is most frequently encountered in academic, scientific, and news-related content. When writing, consider alternatives like "a broad competence" or "a working knowledge" to add nuance. Avoid using the phrase when deep expertise is required, as it implies a foundational rather than advanced skill level. Using "a general proficiency" appropriately ensures clear communication about required or expected abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad competence

Emphasizes the extent of the competence rather than its specific nature.

a comprehensive skill set

Highlights a collection of skills that together form a broad ability.

a working knowledge

Suggests a practical understanding sufficient for basic tasks.

a basic level of skill

Focuses on achieving a foundational level of ability.

an overall capability

Highlights the capacity to perform generally well.

a functional expertise

Implies expertise sufficient to perform necessary functions.

an all-around aptitude

Stresses a natural talent across various areas.

a versatile ability

Highlights the adaptability of the ability to different tasks.

a decent command

Suggests a reasonable level of control or mastery.

a competent grasp

Focuses on understanding and ability to handle something effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "a general proficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "a general proficiency" to describe a foundational level of competence. For example, "The course aims to provide students with "a general proficiency" in data analysis."

What are some alternatives to saying "a general proficiency"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a broad competence", "a basic level of skill", or "a working knowledge" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "general proficiency in" or "general proficiency of"?

"General proficiency in" is the more common and grammatically preferred construction when referring to a skill or subject. For instance, "a general proficiency in mathematics" is better than "a general proficiency of mathematics".

What does "a general proficiency" imply about someone's skills?

It implies that someone has a basic or foundational level of skill in a particular area. It doesn't necessarily mean they are an expert, but they have enough knowledge and ability to handle common tasks and situations related to that skill.