are gaining proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are gaining proficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of someone or a group improving their skills or knowledge in a particular area over time. Example: "The students are gaining proficiency in their language skills through consistent practice and engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thanks to so-called shaped skis, many beginners are gaining proficiency quickly, while some veterans are mastering tricks that would have been difficult on conventional skis.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Casually let it slip that you've been working on gaining proficiency in the latest technology in your field.

Huffington Post

For Irma Seltzer, learning a foreign language is about more than gaining proficiency in reading, writing and speaking.

Princeton University

My main goals in travelling to Portugal were to gain proficiency in Portuguese and immerse myself in a Portuguese work environment and culture, through a homestay with the Pinto family.

Cornell University

If it is the case that English proficiency was gained during the migration trip, then I may have endogeneity issues between the acquisition of the English language skills and the expected duration of stay.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

However, the trainers that facilitate team training scenarios are also important for learning and gaining proficiency.

BMC Medical Education

I cannot tell from the survey whether the English proficiency reported was gained during the migration trip or it was the case that the migrant had gained those skills before making the trip.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

The combined first- and second-grade "Roots" class is the heart of the design; these children are expected to gain proficiency in decoding skills by the end of the year.

The New York Times - Magazine

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual knee arthroscopy simulation training for gaining proficiency in wrist arthroscopy.

Journal of Surgical Education

Surgical attachments are also important in enabling students to acquire additional skills, such as assisting in the operating theatre or gaining proficiency at basic procedures such as suturing.

BMC Medical Education

Its goals are to help students gain proficiency and confidence in the use of Japanese and to prepare them for their lifelong study.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are gaining proficiency" to describe a gradual process of improvement in skills or knowledge, often achieved through practice and learning.

Common error

Be cautious about using "are gaining proficiency" when the actual progress is minimal or the skills acquired are very basic. Ensure the context reflects genuine improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are gaining proficiency" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating the ongoing development of skills or expertise. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently found in varied written materials to describe the process of improvement over time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are gaining proficiency" accurately describes the process of improving skills or knowledge over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While similar phrases like "are improving their skills" or "are developing expertise" exist, "are gaining proficiency" specifically denotes progress toward competence. Remember to use this phrase when describing genuine improvement, and be mindful of overstating expertise. This term appears frequently in credible sources such as The New York Times, BMC Medical Education, and Princeton University.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are improving their skills

Focuses more broadly on skill improvement rather than specifically on reaching a proficient level.

are becoming more skilled

Similar to improving skills, but emphasizes the process of becoming more competent.

are enhancing their abilities

Emphasizes the expansion and strengthening of existing abilities.

are developing expertise

Implies a deeper level of skill and knowledge acquisition than simply gaining proficiency.

are advancing in competence

Highlights the progression of competence in a particular area.

are making progress in skill

Focuses on the advancement being made in a particular skill.

are acquiring mastery

Suggests a higher level of achievement and control over a skill or subject.

are getting better at

A more informal way of saying that someone is improving their skills.

are honing their craft

Implies refining and perfecting a skill, often in a creative or artistic field.

are building up their knowledge

Highlights the accumulation of knowledge as a key aspect of improvement.

FAQs

What does "are gaining proficiency" mean?

The phrase "are gaining proficiency" means that someone is improving their skills or knowledge in a particular area over time, but they may not yet be considered an expert.

How can I use "are gaining proficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "are gaining proficiency" to describe the progress of individuals or groups in developing specific skills. For example, "The students "are gaining proficiency" in their language skills through consistent practice."

What can I say instead of "are gaining proficiency"?

You can use alternatives like "are improving their skills", "are developing expertise", or "are becoming more skilled" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "are gaining proficiency at" or "are gaining proficiency in"?

Both "at" and "in" can be used, but "in" is more common and generally preferred when referring to a subject or skill. For example, "They "are gaining proficiency in" programming" is more typical than "They are gaining proficiency at programming."