be talented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be talented" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's abilities or potential in a particular area, often in a motivational or descriptive context. Example: "To succeed in this competitive field, you need to be talented and dedicated to your craft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

As Berlioz commented, Meyerbeer had "not only the luck to be talented, but the talent to be lucky".

Wikipedia

Shows like "America's Got Talent" have very narrow definitions of what it means to be talented.

WikiHow

Even if you have a talent, it doesn't mean that you're going to be talented at every aspect of something.

WikiHow

That'll teach you to be talented.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He may be talented, but he's no Dan Carter.

Independent

"Why do I have to be talented at something?

The New Yorker

"These kids will be talented people in their own countries.

The New York Times

Answer: 'Piers, when are you going to be talented.

The Guardian

'This woman who used to be talented,' she says dismissively.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I'm sure you must be talented," Arkadina says, after Nina's performance, smiling with cold teeth.

The New Yorker

Their next challenges will be talented young Russians.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be talented" when referring to someone's inherent or developed abilities, especially in contexts where potential or existing skill is emphasized. For instance, 'To excel in music, you need to "be talented" and dedicated'.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "be talented" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "possess expertise" or "demonstrate proficiency" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be talented" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the quality or attribute of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly expresses someone's inherent or acquired abilities. For example, "These girls must "be talented" – they forced you all to say that word," where it describes the girls' abilities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be talented" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone possessing inherent or developed abilities. As verified by Ludwig AI, while correct, is mostly used in news and media contexts. While acceptable in various settings, it may be prudent to opt for more formal alternatives like "demonstrate proficiency" or "possess expertise" in academic or professional writing. Remember to use it thoughtfully to convey admiration or assessment of skill, but without overuse. Ultimately, understanding its nuanced applications will enhance your writing precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess talent

Focuses on the inherent possession of skill, rather than the state of being.

have a gift

Emphasizes a natural, innate ability.

be gifted

Synonymous, but places more emphasis on the inherent quality of talent.

excel at

Highlights the act of performing at a high level.

demonstrate skill

Focuses on observable skill through action.

show aptitude

Implies a natural inclination towards a particular skill.

be proficient in

Suggests a high degree of competence in a specific area.

have a knack for

Implies an ease and natural ability in doing something.

be skilled

A general term for having expertise in a particular area.

be adept at

Highlights skillfulness and quickness in performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "be talented" to describe someone who has a natural or developed ability in a particular area. For example: "She needs to "have talent" to succeed in this field" or "He needs to "demonstrate skill" to get promoted".

What are some alternatives to "be talented"?

Alternatives include phrases like "possess talent", "have a gift", or "excel at", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "be talented" or "have talent"?

Both "be talented" and ""have talent"" are correct, but "be talented" emphasizes the state of possessing skill, while "have talent" focuses on the possession itself.

What's the difference between "be talented" and "be skilled"?

"Be talented" often implies a natural ability or aptitude, while "be skilled" suggests competence acquired through learning and practice. While similar, talent suggests innate potential while skill emphasizes developed proficiency.