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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a true competence

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true competence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a genuine skill or ability that someone possesses, often in a professional or educational context. Example: "Her ability to solve complex problems quickly is a true competence that sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Animal Cognition

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Huffington Post

BMC Medical Education

SEP

The New York Times

BBC

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

The Economist

TechCrunch

BMC Medical Education

The New Yorker

The Guardian

Thinking Skills and Creativity

Artificial Intelligence

Annals of Intensive Care

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Independent

Language Testing in Asia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Does this restriction reflect a true competence problem?

The present study investigated whether these findings reveal a true competence problem with shape properties in the food domain or whether they merely reveal a performance problem (e.g., lack of attention to shapes).

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some test-takers may not reveal their true competence level simply because they are not motivated to comply with the instructions and, for instance, rush through the test or skip items.

We can only hope that the few undecided saw the difference between bluster and bigotry and true competence - and that we never have to face that self-regarding bigot as Commander-in-Chief, calling for martial law because something or someone offended his all too delicate sensibilities.

News & Media

Huffington Post

It is important to recognize that self-perceived skills can overestimate true competence and performance, so these findings may not reflect the real critical appraisal and statistics skills of the medical students, although confidence in a skill is an important component of the performance spectrum [ 40, 41].

Let me be clear here: The only way for children to build a true sense of competence is through first-hand experience that includes travails, triumphs, struggles, setbacks, and successes.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Given the widespread utilisation of the UMAT for selection into medical, dental and allied health courses in Australia and New Zealand such practice effects need further evaluation at the level of individual item level data to ascertain the extent to which they might represent inflated performance or a true increase in competence on re-testing.

This explanation raises important questions about how to understand the relevant "because of" relation here: what exactly is the difference between a true belief being held because of an epistemic competence, and a belief being correct because of an epistemic competence?

Science

SEP

However, virtue reliabilists typically understand knowledge as involving some sort of explanatory relation between having a true belief and the exercise of an epistemic competence.

Science

SEP

A true New Yorker.

News & Media

The New York Times

A true A-Lister".

News & Media

BBC
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing someone's genuine skill, use "a true competence" to highlight that their ability is not superficial or merely theoretical.

Common error

Avoid using "a true competence" when referring to merely fulfilling basic requirements; reserve it for situations where the skill or ability significantly exceeds expectations or demonstrates profound mastery.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true competence" functions as a noun phrase that describes a genuine and demonstrable ability or skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English, and examples show it often refers to skills evaluated in professional or academic settings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true competence" is a phrase used to denote a genuine and demonstrable skill, often in professional or academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, the phrase is grammatically correct and carries a degree of formality, making it suitable for emphasizing substantive abilities. Related phrases include "a genuine skill" and "an authentic ability". When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a skill that exceeds basic compliance, highlighting a high level of proficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "a true competence" in a sentence?

You can use "a true competence" to describe a skill or ability that is genuine and demonstrable. For example, "Her problem-solving skills are "a true competence" that makes her invaluable to the team."

What's the difference between "a true competence" and "a basic skill"?

"A basic skill" implies a fundamental level of ability, while ""a true competence"" suggests a higher level of proficiency and mastery. The former is about meeting minimum requirements, the latter is about excelling.

What are some alternatives to "a true competence"?

Alternatives include "a genuine skill", "an authentic ability", or "a real aptitude", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "a true competence"?

It is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize not just the presence of a skill, but also its quality and effectiveness. This is often seen in professional, educational, or scientific discussions.

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: