be proficient in

USAGE SUMMARY

"be proficient in" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to have a high level of skill or expertise in something. You can use it to describe someone's abilities or qualifications in a specific area. Example: "The job requires the candidate to be proficient in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Two years later, they should be proficient in multiplying and dividing them.

The New York Times

They have to be proficient in viewing women as dehumanised sex objects".

The Guardian - Books

It's not hard to understand why Caltech and M.I.T. want everyone to be proficient in mathematics.

The New York Times

A mischievous Rubio proposal would require immigrants to be proficient in English before becoming citizens.

The New York Times

All students would be proficient in reading and maths by 2014.

The Economist

All students were to be proficient in reading and maths by 2014.

The Economist

It is far more important that these students be proficient in their science than in the varied theories of education.

The New York Times

"And foreign students, even those studying English language degrees, don't even have to be proficient in speaking English.

The Guardian

When we say that we want American schoolchildren to be proficient in reading, which standard are we referring to?

The New Yorker

Alone in the United States military, they train to be proficient in the continuum from combat to civil affairs.

The New York Times

All the state's 1.4 million schoolchildren, she said, should be proficient in reading and math when they leave high school.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be proficient in", ensure you clearly specify the area of expertise or skill. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be proficient in" when describing basic skills or knowledge. This phrase implies a high level of expertise, so reserve it for areas where genuine mastery exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be proficient in" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's level of skill or expertise in a particular area. As Ludwig AI points out, it conveys a high level of competence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be proficient in" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a high level of skill or expertise, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a predicate adjective, and its primary purpose is to denote competence in a specific domain. While applicable across various contexts, it's most frequently encountered in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that you are not overstating one's ability. For alternative phrasing, consider "have expertise in" or "be skilled at", and remember that the examples on Ludwig can provide further contextual guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have expertise in

Focuses on having a deep understanding and skill, rather than just competence.

be skilled at

Emphasizes skill as a primary attribute, changing the preposition.

be adept at

Synonymous, with a slightly different nuance emphasizing natural ability.

excel in

Highlights exceptional performance and success.

be competent in

Indicates a satisfactory level of skill, but not necessarily exceptional.

be well-versed in

Suggests comprehensive knowledge and experience.

master

A more concise alternative that means to become extremely skilled.

be highly capable in

Focuses on the general capacity to perform effectively.

be experienced in

Highlights practical knowledge gained over time.

have a knack for

Indicates a natural talent or inclination.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be proficient in" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases such as "possess expertise in" or "demonstrate competence in".

What's the difference between "be skilled at" and "be proficient in"?

While both phrases indicate competence, "be proficient in" often suggests a higher level of mastery and a more comprehensive understanding than "be skilled at". They are nearly interchangeable but remember that "proficiency" has a slightly bigger scope.

Is it correct to say "be proficient with" instead of "be proficient in"?

While "be proficient with" is sometimes used, "be proficient in" is generally preferred and considered more grammatically standard, especially when referring to skills or areas of expertise.

What are some alternatives to "be proficient in" for a job description?

Job descriptions can use phrases like "experienced in", "adept at", or "highly skilled in" to describe desired candidate qualifications. Each of these describes a different degree of expertise.