are adept at

USAGE SUMMARY

"are adept at" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be highly skilled or proficient at something. You can use it when describing someone's abilities or talents. Example: Sarah and her team are adept at problem-solving, always coming up with creative solutions to difficult challenges.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iranians are adept at producing home brew.

The Economist

"Most HRs are adept at being interviewed.

The Guardian - Money

Alaska's three members of Congress are adept at the former.

The Economist

The jihadists are adept at playing a long game.

The Economist

House Republicans are adept at this, especially on environmental rules.

The New York Times

Politicians are adept at rationalizing such irresponsible behavior.

The New Yorker

Yes, some companies are adept at translating ideas into action.

Harvard Business Review

What characterizes leaders who are adept at getting teams unstuck?

Harvard Business Review

The casino operators themselves are adept at hedging bets.

The New York Times

Psychologists are adept at diagnosing and treating mental illness.

The New York Times - Science

Designers are adept at determining similarities between previously seen objects and new creations using visual association.

Cognitive Systems Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the area of expertise. Vague statements can diminish the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid overstating the capabilities associated with "are adept at". Ensure the claimed expertise is realistic and supported by evidence or context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are adept at" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high degree of skill or competence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are adept at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a high level of skill or proficiency. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it is used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, with a neutral to professional register. The phrase functions descriptively, emphasizing expertise, and can be effectively used in both formal and informal communication. Alternative phrases include "are skilled at" and "excel at", providing options for nuanced expression. Understanding its appropriate usage and potential pitfalls, such as overstating capabilities, ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are skilled at

Emphasizes proficiency and mastery of a skill.

are proficient in

Highlights expertise and competence in a specific domain.

are experts in

Indicates a high level of knowledge and skill in a particular field.

excel at

Focuses on outstanding performance and superior ability.

are masters of

Suggests exceptional skill and control over a particular activity.

are competent at

Implies a satisfactory level of skill and ability.

are talented at

Highlights innate ability and natural aptitude.

are capable of

Focuses on the ability to perform a specific task.

are effective at

Emphasizes the ability to achieve desired results.

are strong in

Indicates a particular area of strength and competence.

FAQs

How do I use "are adept at" in a sentence?

Use "are adept at" to describe someone's high level of skill or proficiency in a particular area. For example, "Successful project managers "are skilled at" balancing resources and deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "are adept at"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are proficient in", ""are skilled at"", or "excel at" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "are adept at" formal or informal?

"Are adept at" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly used in professional or academic settings. Its neutrality allows for broad applicability.

What's the difference between "are adept at" and "are good at"?

"Are adept at" suggests a higher level of skill and expertise compared to "are good at". "Adept" implies mastery, while "good" simply means competent or capable.