became adept

USAGE SUMMARY

"became adept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has become skillful at something through practice or experience. For example: After a few months of practice, she became adept at playing the violin.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cornered, Siddal became adept at emotional manipulation.

The Guardian - Arts

But after that, we became adept".

The New York Times - Sports

He became adept at several languages.

The New Yorker

People became adept at abbreviated communications.

The New York Times

At the Y, he also became adept at diving.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She became adept at deflecting critics with a wry joke.

The New Yorker

Ms. Popova became adept at her unit's tactics.

The New York Times

Indian chemists became adept at re-engineering processes.

The Economist

The company also became adept at adapting processes.

The New York Times

Under Abbas, it became adept at using soft power".

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I've become adept at seeming shorter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became adept" when you want to emphasize a process of learning and improvement that has led to a notable level of skill.

Common error

While "became adept" is generally acceptable, consider more sophisticated vocabulary like "mastered" or "cultivated expertise" if you want to sound more authoritative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became adept" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective phrase, describing the subject's attainment of skill or proficiency. Ludwig examples show it connecting a subject with a state of increased ability through learning or experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

24%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became adept" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the acquisition of skill or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and broad applicability. With a high frequency in news and academic sources, it serves as a neutral yet informative way to describe someone's journey to proficiency. To enhance your writing, consider synonyms like "gained proficiency" or "developed expertise" for specific contexts. Remember to use "at" or "with" appropriately after "adept". In summary, "became adept" is a reliable phrase for describing the development of skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became skilled

A more general term for acquiring competence.

gained proficiency

Focuses on the act of gaining a measurable level of skill.

became competent

Indicates achieving a satisfactory level of skill.

developed expertise

Highlights the development of a high level of skill through experience.

honed their skills

Implies refining existing skills to a higher level.

acquired mastery

Highlights the result of achieving a high level of competence.

mastered the art

Emphasizes complete control and skill in a particular area, often creative.

excelled in

Suggests surpassing others in a particular skill.

cultivated a talent

Suggests nurturing and developing a natural inclination.

flourished

Focuses on thriving and showing great skill, but not always in a measurable way.

FAQs

How can I use "became adept" in a sentence?

You can use "became adept" to describe someone who has developed a high level of skill through practice or experience. For example: "After a few months of practice, she "became adept" at playing the violin".

What are some alternatives to "became adept"?

Alternatives include "gained proficiency", "developed expertise", or "became skilled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "became adept at" or "became adept in"?

Both "became adept at" and "became adept in" are grammatically correct, but "became adept at" is more common and generally preferred. "Adept with" is also acceptable, particularly when referring to tools.

What's the difference between "became adept" and "became proficient"?

"Became adept" implies a high level of skill and often suggests a degree of artistry or finesse. "Became proficient" indicates competence and efficiency but not necessarily exceptional skill.