adept

USAGE SUMMARY

"adept" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
Generally, "adept" is used to describe someone who is highly skilled or well-versed at something. For example, "He is an adept chef and creates amazing meals every time he cooks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Myler landed another penalty but Saracens are adept at winning games even when they do not have much of the ball and Hodgson, who is the Premiership's highest points scorer, at least reminded Lancaster that he should be still in his thoughts when he picks his team for Paris.

The Guardian - Sport

Or, to be specific, blow kisses at my daughter, who grew fabulously adept at blowing them back and basking in her newfound glory as the only natural blonde on the island.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And he has taught English for 30 years and is adept at translating bollocks.

The Guardian

Many of our young people, adept in collating, processing and sharing information, seek rapid answers to the problems that gather around them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Walker was a skilful propagandist, adept at utilising grisly detail to grab the attention of the reader.

The Guardian

He did, however, prove himself to be fairly adept at the Q-shaped plinth he'd been plonked on, shooting down the tail whenever he wanted to look earnest, like U2 during a ballad.

The Guardian

In a relatively small red-top newspaper market, but one where secrecy was paramount, Max proved to be an adept negotiator.

The Guardian

Who, really, is going to vote for a party led by someone who is adept at cuddling farm animals?

The Guardian

The Maryam I know is adept at debating human rights and the ins and outs of Arabic pop music in the same conversation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata, as the two goals in the first leg against Madrid showed, are adept at playing on the counter, while Arturo Vidal, even if he isn't quite back to full speed after his injury, has the energy to shuttle forward from a defensive midfield line to prevent the front two becoming isolated.

The Guardian - Sport

Fryer turned out to be adept at cracking his knuckles, and volunteered to have each of his ten fingers pulled, one by one, until they popped.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adept", ensure it's followed by 'at' or 'in' to specify the area of expertise (e.g., "adept at problem-solving" or "adept in negotiation"). This clarifies the scope of the skill.

Common error

Avoid using "adept" as a general term of praise without specifying the skill. Saying someone is simply "adept" lacks precision. Always clarify what they are skilled at to provide meaningful context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "adept" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone who is highly skilled or proficient. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage, affirming its role in indicating competence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

26%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adept" is a versatile adjective used to describe someone highly skilled or proficient, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. To use it effectively, specify the skill or area of expertise with 'at' or 'in' to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "skilled", "proficient", and "expert" exist, "adept" implies a natural talent or inherent ability. Its consistent usage across authoritative sources makes it a reliable and impactful choice for expressing competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skilled

A general term indicating proficiency, lacking the nuance of practiced expertise.

proficient

Suggests competence through training or practice, less innate than "adept".

expert

Implies recognized authority and comprehensive knowledge, more than simple skill.

accomplished

Highlights a history of success and achievement through skill.

talented

Focuses on innate ability rather than learned skill.

gifted

Emphasizes a natural and exceptional ability, exceeding typical competence.

masterful

Conveys a high degree of control and artistry, more specialized than "adept".

seasoned

Suggests experience and weathering challenges to gain skill.

veteran

Highlights long-term involvement and accumulated knowledge.

well-versed

Indicates comprehensive knowledge and familiarity, particularly in a specific subject.

FAQs

How to use "adept" in a sentence?

Use "adept" to describe someone who is highly skilled or proficient in a particular area. For example, "She is "adept at negotiating" complex deals."

What can I say instead of "adept"?

You can use alternatives like "skilled", "proficient", or "expert", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "adept at" or "adept in"?

Both "adept at" and "adept in" are correct, but "adept at" is generally more common. "Adept at" is usually followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), while "adept in" is followed by a noun or noun phrase. For instance, "adept at problem-solving" or "adept in crisis management".

What's the difference between "adept" and "proficient"?

"Adept" implies a natural talent or a high degree of skill, while "proficient" suggests competence gained through training or practice. Someone can be "proficient in" a skill without being exceptionally talented, whereas being "adept" suggests a more innate ability.