a very competent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very competent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who possesses a high level of skill or ability in a particular area. Example: "She is a very competent project manager, consistently delivering results on time and within budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"But Related is a very competent firm".

The New York Times

She was clearly a very competent designer".

The New York Times - Arts

"He's a very competent doctor".

The New York Times

I think he's a very competent man.

The New York Times

"Despite his limited education Comer became a very competent collector.

The New York Times

NASA, he said, "did a very competent job".

The New York Times

Unsurprisingly he was also a very competent typist.

The Guardian

"It's just — it's not a very competent Administration," he said.

The New Yorker

Australasia offers a very competent take on this style, at quite steep, London-like prices.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It all looks pretty incestuous, or at best not a very competent way to proceed".

The Guardian

"In my opinion, he was a very competent guy," Mr. Harford said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a very competent" with specific areas of expertise to provide a clearer picture of someone's capabilities. Instead of saying "She is a very competent employee", try "She is a very competent software developer".

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "very" can weaken your writing. Consider using stronger synonyms like "highly" or "extremely" to add more impact to your descriptions. For instance, replace "a very competent" with "a highly skilled" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very competent" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe someone or something as possessing a high degree of skill, ability, or effectiveness. As seen in Ludwig, it's commonly used to positively characterize individuals, teams, and even systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very competent" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjectival phrase that effectively conveys a high level of skill or ability. According to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media sources, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While acceptable, avoid overuse of "very" by considering alternatives like "highly skilled" or "extremely capable". Overall, it's a reliable choice for positively describing someone or something, but vary your language for greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly skilled

Emphasizes developed expertise, rather than inherent capability.

a very capable

Focuses on the ability to handle tasks effectively.

a remarkably proficient

Highlights exceptional skill and expertise.

an exceptionally talented

Emphasizes innate ability and natural aptitude.

a truly masterful

Suggests deep understanding and exceptional command.

a decidedly adept

Highlights resourcefulness and cleverness in skill.

an impressively qualified

Stresses formal training and certifications.

a thoroughly experienced

Focuses on practical knowledge gained over time.

a supremely accomplished

Highlights significant achievements and successes.

a consummately skilled

Highlights advanced experience and expertise.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very competent" to describe someone or something possessing a high degree of skill or effectiveness. For example: "She is "a very competent" doctor".

What are some alternatives to "a very competent"?

Alternatives to "a very competent" include "a highly skilled", "a very capable", or "an exceptionally talented", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a competent" or "a very competent"?

While both are grammatically correct, "a very competent" emphasizes the degree of competence more strongly. However, consider using more impactful synonyms like "a highly skilled" if you want to avoid overusing "very".

Can "a very competent" be used to describe objects or systems?

Yes, "a very competent" can describe objects or systems that function effectively. For example: "The G19 is, aside from the screen, "a very competent" keyboard".