are highly proficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are highly proficient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's advanced skills or expertise in a particular area or subject. Example: "The candidates we are considering for this position are highly proficient in data analysis and statistical modeling."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Come to think of it, blackjack card counters are highly proficient at calculating and recalculating probabilities.

The New York Times - Books

Some are highly proficient in quantitative methods, while others use case studies and qualitative methods.

University of California, Berkeley

Musically they are highly proficient, but the absence of light and shade amid the portentous melodrama can reduce their faux-psychedelic art-rock to a gruelling slog.

The Guardian - Music

She will note that Australia's foreign officials are highly proficient and dedicated "but they are spread thin, with virtually no redundancy in the system".

The Guardian

The as-designed SR-nAu samples are highly proficient in recognizing the protein biomarkers of highly similar chemical structures and can be used for determining the quantity of protein at low concentrations.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

How many are highly proficient with each foot, first class headers of the ball, have the stamina to run non stop for the length of the match, including extra time, and tackle well?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

At first we sent over Japanese buyers who were highly proficient in the English language and efficiency oriented.

Harvard Business Review

Not only must the graduates exhibit writing skills, but they are expected to be highly proficient therein.

Computers & Education

The Taino were a peaceful people and were highly proficient agriculturalists, related to the Arawakan peoples of South America who migrated to the Greater Antilles.

Britannica

Across the government today, officials said the tactics and procedures used by the bombers were highly proficient but so standard as to offer no technical "fingerprint" to immediately identify those behind the attack.

The New York Times

Two years later, after stints in the nonprofit sector and at a large public relations firm in Beijing, he is highly proficient in Mandarin and works as a manager for XPD Media, a social media company based in Beijing that makes online games.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are highly proficient" to clearly and concisely convey a high level of skill or expertise in a specific area. Ensure the context provides sufficient detail about the area of proficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "are highly proficient" without specifying the area of expertise. Always clarify what they are proficient in to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are highly proficient" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's level of skill or expertise. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates advanced capabilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are highly proficient" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating advanced skill or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in science, news, and formal business domains, it serves to inform about the superior capabilities of a subject. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the area of proficiency and consider stronger alternatives like "are exceptionally skilled" for impactful writing. Keep in mind to specify what the people "are highly proficient" in.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are highly capable

Focuses on overall ability and potential.

are exceptionally skilled

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the skill.

are extremely competent

Focuses on the ability to perform tasks effectively.

are particularly talented

Highlights inherent talent in a specific area.

are remarkably adept

Highlights a natural talent or quickness in learning.

are extraordinarily gifted

Emphasizes a natural and exceptional ability.

are thoroughly versed

Implies deep knowledge and experience.

are masters of the craft

Suggests a high level of expertise and artistry.

are accomplished professionals

Highlights professional achievements and skill.

possess considerable expertise

Highlights the amount and depth of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "are highly proficient" in a sentence?

Use "are highly proficient" to describe individuals or groups possessing a high degree of skill or expertise in a particular field. For example, "The software engineers "are highly proficient" in multiple programming languages".

What are some alternatives to "are highly proficient"?

Alternatives include "are exceptionally skilled", "are extremely competent", or "are remarkably adept", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "are highly proficient" or "are very good at"?

"Are highly proficient" is generally more formal and professional than "are very good at". The former is suitable for academic or business contexts, while the latter is more casual.

What is the difference between "are highly proficient" and "are competent"?

"Are highly proficient" implies a higher level of skill and expertise than "are competent". Competence suggests adequacy, while proficiency suggests mastery and advanced capability.