be best at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be best at" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to express superiority in a certain field or task. For example, "He was always the one to be best at maths in his class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can les rosbifs be best at home cooking?

The Times

I am only interested in who's going to be best at that right now".

The New York Times

Only 13% of voters reckon that her Christian Democrats would be "best at solving Germany's problems".

The Economist

"People have always told me that's what I'd be best at," she said.

The New York Times

Will those who are best at watching their mouths always be best at watching our backs?

The Guardian - Books

Against Johnson, this would not be an election about who would be best at the job.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Times endorsed me because it felt I'd be best at fighting for Brooklynites fair share.

The New York Times

"It means figuring out what job or profession would I be best at and what I would enjoy.

The New York Times

Except what he really wanted to do, what he thought he would be best at, were edgy, modern roles.

The Guardian - Film

For that reason, she said, she knows it will be best, at some point, to bring in an outsider who is subject to family control.

The New York Times

What you might do in that case is look around the world to see what kinds of health care system appear to be best at containing costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be best at", ensure the context clearly defines the area of expertise or skill being discussed. For example, specify "be best at problem-solving" rather than just "be best".

Common error

Avoid using "be best at" without a specific context or skill. Saying someone is simply "the best" is vague; instead, specify what they "be best at" to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be best at" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's capability or superiority in a specific area. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

24%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be best at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate someone's superior skill or expertise in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and business writing. While versatile, ensure you provide a clear context to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "excel in" or "be proficient in" for nuanced meanings. By specifying what someone "be best at", you enhance clarity and impact, making your writing more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be superior in

Directly indicates a higher level of quality or performance.

excel in

Focuses on outstanding performance rather than comparative superiority.

be outstanding at

Emphasizes remarkable achievement or skill.

be proficient in

Emphasizes competence and skill, not necessarily being the absolute top performer.

be skilled at

Highlights acquired ability and expertise.

have mastery of

Focuses on complete and comprehensive control or understanding.

be adept at

Stresses natural talent and quickness in learning.

shine at

Suggests exceptional performance that stands out.

dominate in

Implies a commanding or controlling level of skill.

be preeminent in

Highlights being the most important or respected in a field.

FAQs

How to use "be best at" in a sentence?

Use "be best at" to describe someone's strongest skill or area of expertise. For example, "She "be best at" coding", or "He "be best at" public speaking".

What can I say instead of "be best at"?

You can use alternatives like "excel in", "be proficient in", or "be skilled at" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be best at" or "is best in"?

"Be best at" is generally used to describe a skill or activity, while "is best in" typically refers to a category or group. For example, "She "be best at" playing the piano", versus "She is the best in her class".

What's the difference between "be best at" and "do best in"?

"Be best at" emphasizes a person's innate skill or developed expertise, while "do best in" often indicates a situational advantage or preferred environment. An example is, "He "be best at" leading", vs. "He will do best in a structured environment".