became skilled at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became skilled at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has developed proficiency or expertise in a particular area or activity over time. Example: "After years of practice, she became skilled at playing the piano."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

After the monkey became skilled at the exercise, the scientists disconnected the joystick.

The New York Times

Where there was high participation, residents became skilled at working with the police, their aldermen and other city officials.

The New York Times

They became skilled at helping clients navigate the obstacles that confront development projects, including community opposition and local approval processes.

The New York Times

He became skilled at taking small objects and, on those billboards, blowing them up to superhuman size.

The New York Times - Books

He became skilled at firing Russian-made rocket-propelled grenades, and he was sent to fight, and train others, in Kashmir, Bosnia, Chechnya and Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Diana became skilled at diverting her attention, focussing on the goals she set for herself at school and in the pool.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

They do not become skilled at taking care of themselves.

The New York Times

Over the past five years, C.C.L. has become skilled at its techniques.

The New York Times

These terrorists have become skilled at manipulating the Western imagination.

The New Yorker

They become skilled at engaging patients, family members, physicians and other community members.

The New York Times

She has traveled the world and become skilled at entertaining a crowd.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skill development, follow "became skilled at" with a specific and measurable action. For example, instead of "He became skilled at coding", try "He became skilled at coding complex algorithms".

Common error

Avoid using "became skilled at" with overly general or abstract skills. For instance, rather than saying "She became skilled at life", specify the areas where she developed expertise, such as "She became skilled at navigating challenging social situations and managing her finances effectively".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became skilled at" functions as a verb phrase indicating the development of expertise or proficiency in a specific activity or area. Ludwig examples show it used to describe skills ranging from grenade firing to managing children.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became skilled at" is a versatile phrase used to describe the development of expertise through learning and practice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, from news to encyclopedias. To use the phrase effectively, be specific in describing the skill and avoid vague descriptions. Alternatives include "developed expertise in" or "mastered the art of", each with its own nuance. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately convey the acquisition of skills in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became adept at

Implies a natural talent or quick learning in a particular skill.

became proficient in

Highlights competence and efficiency in performing a task or skill.

developed expertise in

Emphasizes the growth of comprehensive knowledge and skill in a specific domain.

acquired proficiency in

Highlights the act of gaining competence in a skill or area.

gained mastery over

Suggests comprehensive control and deep understanding of a subject or skill.

mastered the art of

Suggests a high level of skill and control, often in creative or complex activities.

excelled in the field of

Indicates outstanding performance and achievement in a specific area of expertise.

honed their craft in

Focuses on the refinement and improvement of a specific skill through dedicated practice.

cultivated a talent for

Emphasizes the nurturing and development of an innate ability.

flourished in the realm of

Indicates thriving and achieving great success within a particular field or area.

FAQs

How can I use "became skilled at" in a sentence?

Use "became skilled at" to describe someone who has developed proficiency through practice or learning. For example, "After many years of practice, she "became skilled at" playing the violin".

What are some alternatives to "became skilled at"?

Alternatives include phrases like "developed expertise in", "acquired proficiency in", or "mastered the art of", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "became skilled at" or "became skillful in"?

"Became skilled at" is generally preferred because it flows more naturally and is more commonly used. "Became skillful in" is grammatically correct but sounds slightly less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "became skilled at" and "became good at"?

"Became skilled at" implies a higher level of expertise achieved through dedicated practice or learning, while "became good at" suggests a more general improvement or competence.