be proficient in the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be proficient in the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's skills or expertise in a particular area or subject. Example: "To succeed in this role, you must be proficient in the use of advanced software tools."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The haridasas represented two groups, the Vyasakuta and Dasakuta, the former being required to be proficient in the Vedas, Upanishads and other Darshanas, while the Dasakuta merely conveyed the message of Madhvacharya through the Kannada language to the people in the form of devotional songs (Devaranamas and Kirthanas).

Wikipedia

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

The New York Times

The truth is, you don't have to be proficient in the shortcuts of Excel to be your own bookkeeper.

The Guardian

The bill also sets a timetable mandating that teachers be proficient in the subjects they teach, but there is no enforcement mechanism to ensure this proficiency.

The New York Times

A candidate for a Fulbright grant must have a Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent, be proficient in the language of the country in which he proposes to study, and have general maturity and scholastic competence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In turn, faculty members are required to be proficient in the use of computers and the Internet.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

She was a good singer, and was proficient in the piano, violin and Japanese harp.

The New York Times

Sam Mitchell was proficient in the middle, ably assisted by captain Luke Hodge.

The Guardian - Sport

Today few people are proficient in the ordering and naming of life.

The New York Times - Science

Luis Martinez, the driver, chuckled when asked if he was proficient in the Asian language.

The Economist

Californian students score below average on every national test; only around half California's students are proficient in the basics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, replace "be proficient in the" with more specific verbs and nouns that highlight a particular skill (e.g., "master", "excel at", "demonstrate aptitude in").

Common error

Avoid overusing "proficient" when simpler words like "good", "skilled", or "capable" would suffice. This prevents your writing from sounding repetitive and pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be proficient in the" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English. It typically describes someone's level of skill or competence in a particular subject, activity, or area of expertise.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academic

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be proficient in the" is a versatile expression used to denote competence or skill in a particular domain. As verified by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically sound and appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, including academic, scientific, and professional settings. While alternatives like "be skilled in the", "be adept at the", and "have expertise in the" offer slight variations in meaning and emphasis, "be proficient in the" remains a solid choice for conveying a good level of capability. To ensure clarity and avoid repetition, consider tailoring your language to the specific skill or subject and avoid overusing the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be skilled in the

This alternative replaces "proficient" with "skilled", indicating a high level of ability.

be adept at the

This alternative replaces "proficient" with "adept", suggesting natural talent and ease.

be competent in the

This alternative uses "competent" instead of "proficient", indicating adequate ability to perform a task.

be experienced in the

This alternative uses "experienced" instead of "proficient", emphasizing knowledge gained from practice.

have expertise in the

This alternative replaces the verb "be" + adjective "proficient" with the noun "expertise", indicating specialized knowledge.

be well-versed in the

This alternative emphasizes comprehensive knowledge of a subject.

be fluent in the

This alternative, often used with languages, suggests ease and grace in performance.

be masterful in the

This suggests a very high level of skill, approaching mastery.

be highly capable in the

This intensifies the sense of ability, emphasizing potential.

be accomplished in the

This emphasizes a history of success and achievement in a particular area.

FAQs

How can I use "be proficient in the" in a sentence?

The phrase "be proficient in the" is used to describe someone's competence or skill in a particular area. For example, "To excel in this role, you must "be proficient in the" use of advanced software tools".

What are some alternatives to "be proficient in the"?

You can use alternatives like "be skilled in the", "be adept at the", or "have expertise in the" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be proficient in" or "be proficient at"?

While both "be proficient in" and "be proficient at" are grammatically correct, ""be proficient in the"" is generally used to refer to a subject, field, or language. Using "at" is more appropriate when referring to a specific task or skill.

What does it mean to "be proficient in the"?

To ""be proficient in the"" means to have a good level of skill and competence in a particular area or subject. It implies that you are capable of performing tasks related to that area effectively.