are proficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are proficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's skill level or expertise in a particular area or subject. Example: "The candidates we are considering for this position are proficient in multiple programming languages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His images are proficient.

The Guardian - Arts

Of course, someone must decide when students are proficient.

The New York Times

Even unpopular tweens are proficient in snap judgments.

The Guardian - Film

Some are proficient; many have to be taught the basics.

The New York Times

At M.S. 51, 82 percent are proficient in language arts with a score of 3.34; 83 percent are proficient in math with a 3.8 score.

The New York Times

The rest are supposed to be trained until they are proficient.

The New York Times

Only one-third of high school students are proficient in reading, according to Snyder's office.

The Guardian

Until they are proficient in this area, they will falter in all the others.

The New York Times

The plots are proficient if not remarkable, but writer Nick Fisher's dialogue is crisp.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

England play the more structured game and are proficient at recycling.

The Guardian - Sport

*Introducing standardized tests to ensure that students are proficient in reading and writing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are proficient", specify the area of expertise using "in", "at", or "with" to provide context and clarity. For instance, "are proficient in data analysis" is more informative than just "are proficient".

Common error

Avoid using "are proficient" without specifying the skill or area of competence. Vague statements lack impact and can leave the reader wondering what exactly someone is good at.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are proficient" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's level of competence or skill. Ludwig AI highlights its widespread use, indicating its role in clearly conveying expertise across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are proficient" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to describe competence or skill, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It enjoys widespread usage across diverse fields, including news, academia, and science. To ensure clarity, always specify the area in which proficiency is demonstrated. While acceptable in many contexts, maintaining a balance in your writing is always recommended. Alternatives such as "are skilled", "are adept", and "are competent" can provide nuanced variations in meaning and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are skilled

This alternative focuses on general skillfulness without specifying a particular area.

are adept

Implies a natural talent or quickness in learning, slightly more nuanced than "skilled".

are competent

Indicates a satisfactory level of ability, perhaps less advanced than "proficient".

have mastery

Suggests a very high level of skill and understanding, exceeding proficiency.

are experienced

Emphasizes practical knowledge gained over time, not necessarily implying high skill.

are qualified

Suggests having met the necessary criteria or training, but not necessarily exceptional skill.

are capable

Indicates having the potential or ability to do something, but not necessarily proven skill.

are versed

Suggests having knowledge about something, not necessarily the ability to perform it.

are knowledgeable

Focuses on possessing information and understanding, rather than practical skill.

are effective

Emphasizes the ability to achieve desired results, rather than the level of skill itself.

FAQs

How to use "are proficient" in a sentence?

Use "are proficient" to describe someone's skill level in a particular area, followed by 'in', 'at', or 'with'. For example, "They "are proficient in English"" or "She "is proficient at coding"".

What can I say instead of "are proficient"?

You can use alternatives like "are skilled", "are adept", or "are competent" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "are proficient in" or "are proficient at"?

Both "are proficient in" and "are proficient at" are grammatically correct, although "are proficient in" is generally used for broader skill areas like languages or subjects, while "are proficient at" is used for specific tasks or activities.

What's the difference between "are proficient" and "are experienced"?

"Are proficient" emphasizes skill and competence, while "are experienced" highlights practical knowledge gained over time. Someone can be experienced without being highly proficient, and vice versa.