at some things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at some things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person's abilities or skills in relation to specific tasks or subjects. Example: "She excels at some things, but struggles with others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are presumably good at some things.

The New York Times

I am good at some things.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is O.K. being O.K. at some things.

The New York Times

"We need to get better at some things," he said.

The New York Times

"At some things I would be a feminist.

The Guardian - Opinion

He certainly is a master at some things, and he has a following.

The New Yorker

"Obviously we should look at some things," Mr. Carey said, sticking with generalities.

The New York Times

And so they'll be better at some things than the other, and vice versa.

Independent

"We've looked at some things that we probably could have done better," the mayor said.

The New York Times

It's just that, like any tool, it's good at some things and not at others.

The New York Times

Why was Einstein's brain so good at some things and not others?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at some things", follow it up with specifics. Detail what those things are. Providing context ensures the reader understands the scope of the statement.

Common error

Don't use "at some things" when you mean "in general". Using it to imply someone is good in general dilutes its purpose, which is to indicate partial or specific aptitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at some things" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent or scope of an ability or characteristic. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and, based on the provided examples, frequently modifies verbs or adjectives related to competence or skill.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science & Research

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at some things" is a versatile and commonly used way to indicate partial competence or strength. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, indicating that is a correct phrase. As demonstrated by the examples and linguistic analysis, it functions as an adverbial modifier and adds precision by qualifying statements. While it is appropriate across various communication registers, from news and media to academia, it's most effective when followed by specific details about the areas of competence. Alternatives include phrases like "skilled in certain areas" or "proficient in particular aspects". Remember to avoid overgeneralizations and always provide context for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong in specific areas

Suggests areas of competence or excellence.

skilled in certain areas

Emphasizes skill level rather than general aptitude.

good with certain skills

Highlights the ability to perform certain actions or tasks well.

proficient in particular aspects

Highlights expertise in specific components of a larger subject.

excels in certain fields

Indicates outstanding performance in specific disciplines.

competent in some aspects

Highlights areas where someone has an acceptable and satisfactory skill.

talented in selective things

It refers to people who show aptitude in particular fields of the arts and literature.

adept in specific tasks

Focuses on competence in performing defined actions.

specialized in selective subjects

Highlights focused expertise rather than general aptitude.

masterful in particular domains

Conveys a high level of skill and control within specific areas.

FAQs

How can I use "at some things" in a sentence?

You can use "at some things" to indicate partial competence or strength. For example, "She is skilled "at some things", but struggles with others."

What are some alternatives to saying "at some things"?

Alternatives include "skilled in certain areas", "proficient in particular aspects", or "adept in specific tasks" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "at some things"?

Use "at some things" when you want to acknowledge that someone or something has strengths in specific areas, without implying overall competence. It is useful for providing a balanced assessment.

Which is more precise, "at some things" or "good at everything"?

"At some things" is more precise because it acknowledges specific strengths, whereas "good at everything" is an overgeneralization and rarely accurate. Saying someone is "good at everything" is not credible.