be skilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be skilled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone possessing a high level of ability or expertise in a particular area or task. Example: "To succeed in this competitive field, you must be skilled in both communication and technical skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Artists don't need to be skilled.

The Guardian - Arts

Like Nick, I need to be skilled in diplomacy".

The Guardian - Arts

Experience in the truth-'n'-beauty jungle out there teaches writers to be skilled injustice collectors.

The New York Times - Books

If you're doing sweeping you don't need to be skilled, do you?

The Guardian

The students may be skilled in certain areas, from events management, advertising, public relations to business.

The Guardian

When Ford announced the plan, it said it needed employees to be skilled on the Internet.

The New York Times

You must be skilled at creating complex tactics that give the impression you have forgotten the analysis and are floundering.

The New York Times

But as Dr. Bargonetti's schedule shows, those who involve themselves heavily in teaching have to be skilled at juggling.

The New York Times - Science

You might assume they'd have little trouble finding work; almost by definition, they will be skilled and disciplined.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A marginally competent teacher may not necessarily be skilled enough to promote interest in or appreciation for math among students.

The New York Times

Of all the great artists who turned out to be skilled operators, Cranach the Elder was perhaps the most brilliant.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing expertise, follow "be skilled" with a prepositional phrase indicating the specific area of proficiency (e.g., "be skilled in data analysis").

Common error

Avoid using "skilled" as a standalone verb. It typically requires the auxiliary verb "be" (e.g., "they are skilled") to function correctly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be skilled" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's level of proficiency or expertise. As noted by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be skilled" is a versatile and widely used expression to describe proficiency or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's most frequently encountered in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using "be skilled", follow it with a prepositional phrase (e.g., "be skilled in") to specify the area of expertise. Remember to avoid using "skilled" as a standalone verb without the auxiliary "be". Alternatives like "be proficient" or "be adept" can provide nuance, but "be skilled" remains a clear and effective choice for general use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be proficient

Focuses on competence and expertise, emphasizing a high level of skill.

be adept

Highlights natural talent or quickness in learning and performing.

be competent

Emphasizes having the necessary abilities to perform a task adequately.

be experienced

Highlights the accumulation of knowledge and abilities through practical involvement.

be qualified

Emphasizes meeting the formal requirements or standards for a particular role or task.

be talented

Highlights innate ability and natural aptitude.

be masterful

Emphasizes exceptional skill and expertise, often associated with artistry.

be capable

Focuses on the ability to do something, indicating potential rather than demonstrated skill.

be highly trained

Highlights skills developed through structured learning and practice.

be seasoned

Emphasizes extensive experience and maturity in a particular field.

FAQs

How can I use "be skilled" in a sentence?

Use "be skilled" to describe someone's proficiency in a particular area. For example, "To excel in this role, you must "be skilled" in communication and problem-solving".

What are some alternatives to "be skilled"?

You can use alternatives like "be proficient", "be adept", or "be experienced" depending on the specific context.

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

Both "be skilled in" and "be skilled at" are correct, but "be skilled in" is generally preferred when referring to a broader area of expertise, while "be skilled at" is used for specific tasks. For example, "be skilled in data analysis" vs "be skilled at using Excel".

What does it mean to "be skilled"?

To ""be skilled"" means to have a high level of ability or expertise in a particular area, typically acquired through training and experience.