average proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "average proficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of skill or competence that is typical or standard in a particular area. Example: "The candidate demonstrated average proficiency in the required software, which met the basic expectations for the role."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The average proficiency in the non-native languages was not significantly associated with the rapid word learning-related dynamics.

Nature

Students there now outperform the state average proficiency rate in math and have nearly closed achievement gaps in literacy.

The New York Times

It should also be noted that in our study there was no correlation between the average proficiency and the number of learnt languages or average AoA.

Nature

These figures are carved with only average proficiency, and some of the iconography is borrowed from the Hurrians, with whom the Hittite royal family had intermarried.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In East Harlem, school administrators called José and Maria del Carmen Ortega to a meeting to urge them to pull their son, Johnny, out of bilingual education classes after he scored above average proficiency in English.

The New York Times

In a study of more than 5,000 executives at 47 companies we conducted with McKinsey, we found that only 1% had an average proficiency score of 6 or better, and just 11% had an average score of 5.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Despite inter-speaker variability in the self-ratings, it is safe to assume that all speakers had an above-average proficiency level in Min, as none of the speakers self-rated herself as lower than 4, and most speakers self-rated themselves as 5 or above.

Lingua Sinica

norm proficiency.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Yet, South Plainfield's students consistently underperform the state average on proficiency tests and on the SAT reasoning tests.

The New York Times

Only students in Charlotte, N.C., of the 10 urban districts studied, surpassed the national average in proficiency in reading and math.

The New York Times

Reading scores among fourth and eighth graders were included in the results, which showed that Charlotte students in both grades outperformed their peers and surpassed the national average in proficiency by small margins.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing skills, specify the area of proficiency for clarity. For instance, instead of just saying "average proficiency", state "average proficiency in data analysis".

Common error

Avoid using "average proficiency" without context, as it's vague. Instead, specify the domain or subject where proficiency is being assessed to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "average proficiency" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "average" modifies "proficiency". It describes a typical or standard level of skill or competence in a specific area. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "average proficiency" denotes a typical or standard skill level, frequently appearing in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, making it a reliable choice for describing competence in various domains. While versatile, specificity in usage enhances clarity. Alternatives include "typical skill level" or "moderate competence". When using the phrase, avoid overgeneralization to prevent vagueness. By providing clear context, "average proficiency" serves as an effective descriptor of skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical skill level

Emphasizes the normality and expectedness of the skill level.

moderate competence

Highlights a sufficient but not exceptional level of ability.

standard level of expertise

Focuses on the professional aspect of the skill.

ordinary aptitude

Suggests a natural, unexceptional talent.

fair ability

Implies a reasonable but not outstanding skill.

medium capability

Indicates a balanced level of potential.

common grade of skill

Highlights that skill is commonplace and ordinary

acceptable level of skill

Focuses on whether a certain skill level is appropriate or satisfactory

decent level of performance

This alternative focuses more on performance output

satisfactory expertise

This alternative suggests that the level of expertise is adequate or good enough.

FAQs

How is "average proficiency" typically measured?

Measurement varies by context. It can involve standardized tests, performance reviews, or self-assessments, depending on the skill and the setting.

What can I say instead of "average proficiency"?

You can use alternatives like "typical skill level", "moderate competence", or "standard level of expertise" depending on the context.

Is it better to aim for "average proficiency" or higher?

While "average proficiency" indicates a satisfactory level, aiming for higher proficiency is generally advantageous, especially in competitive environments or when seeking career advancement.

How does "average proficiency" compare to "below average proficiency"?

"Average proficiency" suggests a typical skill level, while "below average proficiency" indicates a skill level that is less than what is typically expected or required.