be adept at

USAGE SUMMARY

"be adept at" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a person's skill or talent with something, suggesting that they are highly skilled or an expert at that thing. For example, "My brother is adept at playing the guitar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Or at least be adept at pretending that you do.

The Times

The global economy demands that business leaders be adept at negotiating with counterparties from other cultures.

Columbia University

You will need to be adept at maths, critical reasoning and language.

The Economist

Zuckerberg may be adept at many things, but public relations is not one of them.

The New Yorker

The party, however, can be adept at meeting the public opinion challenge.

The New York Times

It is true that someone might be adept at car mechanics and hopeless at philosophy.

The New York Times

Hedge-fund managers can be adept at exploiting pricing anomalies as well as obscure market niches.

The Economist

Unorganized and forgetful students can still be adept at learning the material.

The New York Times

Then again, don't ever hire an adviser who claims to be adept at projecting market direction.

The Washington Post

But Mr. Lamy has shown himself to be adept at compromise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Drasner was adept at marathon evening sessions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be adept at" to emphasize a developed skill acquired through learning and practice, rather than inherent talent. For instance, "She is adept at data analysis" suggests she gained the skill through training or experience.

Common error

Don't use "be adept at" for everyday actions that don't require specific skills or training. Saying "He is adept at using a microwave" sounds unnatural; instead, use "He knows how to use a microwave".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be adept at" functions as a verb phrase where "be" is a copular verb linking the subject to the adjective "adept", and "at" is a preposition introducing the object of the adjective (the skill or activity). Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

26%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be adept at" is a versatile and widely used phrase for indicating skill and competence. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase functions as a verb phrase emphasizing expertise, with synonyms like "be skilled in" and "excel in" offering nuanced alternatives. Remember to use it for skills requiring learning or practice rather than basic actions, and aim for a neutral to formal tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be skilled in

Focuses more on general skill, less on adaptability.

be proficient in

Emphasizes formal competence and mastery.

be competent at

Suggests having the necessary skills to perform adequately.

excel in

Implies superior performance and standing out.

be masterful at

Highlights exceptional skill and control.

have a knack for

Indicates a natural talent or inclination.

be talented at

Focuses on innate ability rather than learned skill.

be accomplished in

Implies a high level of achievement and expertise.

be versed in

Emphasizes knowledge and understanding alongside skill.

be an expert in

Highlights recognized expertise and authority.

FAQs

How can I use "be adept at" in a sentence?

Use "be adept at" to describe someone's proficiency or skill in a specific area. For instance, "She is "adept at managing" complex projects" or "He is "adept at negotiating" contracts".

What are some alternatives to "be adept at"?

You can use alternatives like "be skilled in", "be proficient in", or "excel in" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "adept at" or "adept in"?

"Adept at" is generally preferred and more common when referring to a skill or activity. "Adept in" can be used, but it is less frequent and might sound slightly more formal or archaic. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "be adept at" and "be good at"?

"Be adept at" implies a higher level of skill and competence than "be good at". While "be good at" suggests a general level of proficiency, "be adept at" suggests expertise and mastery. Use "be good at" for general skills and "be adept at" for specialized or advanced skills.