be more adept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be more adept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the desire or need to improve one's skills or abilities in a particular area. Example: "To succeed in this competitive market, we must be more adept at adapting to new technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Only harpists would be more adept at pulling strings.

The New York Times - Style

But Randle, for now, is considered to be more adept at actually playing football.

The New York Times

Mr Hatsopoulos also thinks Thermo could be more adept at spreading new ideas around the company.

The Economist

I think the private sector person would be more adept at making decisions quickly and delivery.

The Guardian

At the moment, too, he may be more adept at expressing his ideas through sight than taste.

The New York Times - Food

Anderson has also proven to be more adept at reverse-swing, which emerged towards the end of Botham's career.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The government has been more adept at creating stability than many had expected.

The Economist

The linemen are more adept in pass protection, and defenders learn how to better cover receivers.

The New York Times - Sports

SELDOM have America's commercial banks been more adept at using money to make money.

The Economist

Fast-growing companies in fast-growing industries are more adept at making themselves more diverse.

The New York Times

In hip-hop few people have been more adept at filling that role than Lyor Cohen.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be more adept" when you want to suggest improving skills to reach a higher level of competence in a specific area. It is more suitable than "be better" when specific skills are concerned.

Common error

Avoid using "be more adept" in very general contexts where a simpler phrase like "improve" or "get better" would suffice. "Be more adept" works best when referring to specific skills or techniques.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more adept" functions as a way to express the need or desire for enhanced proficiency or skill in a particular area. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts, indicating its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be more adept" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a need for improved skill or proficiency. Ludwig confirms its widespread usability. It appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts, suggesting a versatile yet neutral tone. Alternative phrases, such as "become more proficient" or "grow more skilled", offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. When using "be more adept", it's best to apply it in scenarios that specify concrete, particular skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become more proficient

Focuses on achieving a higher degree of skill through training or practice.

grow more skilled

Emphasizes the gradual development of skill over time.

enhance one's capabilities

Highlights the improvement of overall abilities and potential.

sharpen one's skills

Implies refining existing skills to make them more effective.

excel further

Suggests surpassing current levels of excellence.

improve one's competence

Focuses on enhancing the ability to perform tasks effectively.

master new techniques

Highlights the acquisition of expertise in specific methods.

refine one's expertise

Implies making subtle improvements to existing knowledge and skills.

gain greater mastery

Focuses on achieving a higher level of control and skill.

develop greater aptitude

Emphasizes the growth of natural talent or ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "be more adept" to suggest improving skills. For example, "To succeed, we need to "be more adept" at data analysis".

What does "be more adept" mean?

"Be more adept" means to improve one's skill or proficiency in a particular area, implying a need for greater competence.

What are some alternatives to "be more adept"?

Alternatives include "become more proficient", "grow more skilled", or "enhance one's capabilities", depending on the desired nuance.

In what contexts is "be more adept" most appropriate?

"Be more adept" is most appropriate in contexts where specific skills or techniques are discussed, and the goal is to improve competence in those areas. It is often used in professional or academic settings.