achieving proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "achieving proficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of becoming skilled or competent in a particular area or subject. Example: "After months of practice, she is finally achieving proficiency in playing the piano."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Tuckahoe's test scores are among the best in Virginia, with 99percentt achieving proficiency in math, 95percentt in English.

The New York Times

In an empty bus shelter at Vanderbilt Avenue and Plaza Street in Brooklyn, on a bench next to a crumpled paper bag with a bodega coffee cup inside, a copy of "Achieving Proficiency in Mathematics".

The New Yorker

At Kinsella, the percentage of third graders achieving proficiency rose nearly 10 points in math, 11 points in reading and almost 9 points in writing, compared with the previous year.

The New York Times

Since then, the number of college students taking advantage of Arabic classes has more than doubled, according to the Modern Language Association, but the offerings at the high school level, a starting point that gives students a better shot at achieving proficiency, remain scarce, even in New York.

The New York Times

By Kelly Bare September 8, 2008 In an empty bus shelter at Vanderbilt Avenue and Plaza Street in Brooklyn, on a bench next to a crumpled paper bag with a bodega coffee cup inside, a copy of "Achieving Proficiency in Mathematics".

The New Yorker

Achieving proficiency level II appears to be a minimum requirement in this respect" (see also Stalder et al. 2008).

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Last year, at CAVA's San Mateo school, 57 percent of students achieved proficiency or above in English; 33 percent were proficient or advanced in math.

The New York Times

A recent report by Ofsted on access and achievement in English schools found that 16-year-olds who failed to achieve proficiency in literacy and numeracy had only a one-in-seven chance of doing so by the age of 18. "It's not that our education system is failing right across the board, it's that we are not very good at the compensatory provision between 16 and 19," Husbands said.

The Guardian

But proficiency rates are low overall: Just 13percentt of public school students in the city were proficient in math in 2014, while 17percentt of students at charter schools achieved proficiency.

Huffington Post

Last year 5 percent failed and 60percentt achieved proficiency.

The New York Times

Ms. Spellings has fiercely defended the law's requirement that all students achieve proficiency by 2014.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "achieving proficiency", specify the area in which proficiency is being achieved to provide clarity and context. For example, "achieving proficiency in data analysis" is more informative than just "achieving proficiency".

Common error

Avoid using "achieving proficiency" without specifying the skill or subject area. Saying someone is "achieving proficiency" without context leaves the reader wondering what they are becoming proficient in.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "achieving proficiency" functions as a noun phrase describing the process of gaining competence in a specific skill or area. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples where the phrase is used to describe progress in various fields, from mathematics to language learning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "achieving proficiency" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the process of gaining competence or mastery in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage, highlighting its prevalence in news, media and scientific contexts. For clarity, specify the area of proficiency. Alternative expressions include "attaining proficiency" or "gaining expertise". While versatile, avoiding overgeneralization by clarifying the skill or subject is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attaining proficiency

Uses a different verb, "attaining", to express the same idea of reaching a level of skill.

gaining proficiency

Replaces "achieving" with "gaining", focusing on the process of acquiring skill.

developing proficiency

Emphasizes the gradual development of skill rather than a specific achievement.

reaching proficiency

Focuses on the destination or endpoint of skill development.

acquiring proficiency

Highlights the act of obtaining skill or competence.

mastering skills

Indicates a high level of competence, implying complete control over the skills.

becoming proficient

Shifts the focus to the state of being skilled, using the adjective form.

demonstrating competence

Emphasizes the ability to show one's skills effectively.

reaching competence

Focuses on reaching a satisfactory level of skill or ability.

building expertise

Highlights the construction of deep knowledge and skill in a particular area.

FAQs

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

You can use "achieving proficiency" to describe the process of becoming skilled in a particular area. For example: "After a year of study, she is "achieving proficiency" in Japanese." or "The training program aims to help students "achieve proficiency" in software development."

What are some alternatives to "achieving proficiency"?

Alternatives to "achieving proficiency" include "gaining expertise", "attaining skill", or "developing mastery", depending on the level of competence you want to convey.

Is it better to say "achieve proficiency" or "achieving proficiency"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Achieve proficiency" is an imperative or infinitive form, while "achieving proficiency" is a gerund or present participle. For example: "To "achieve proficiency", practice regularly." versus "Achieving proficiency requires dedication."

What's the difference between "achieving proficiency" and "achieving competence"?

"Proficiency" implies a higher level of skill and expertise than "competence". "Achieving competence" suggests meeting a basic standard, while "achieving proficiency" indicates a high degree of skill and mastery.