become competent at

USAGE SUMMARY

"become competent at" is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use it when you want to describe the process of gaining proficiency in something. For example, "He has worked hard to become competent at playing the piano."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

You only become competent at being interviewed, chairing meetings and giving presentations by practising or doing it repeatedly.

The Guardian

Many firms have become competent at understanding the journeys their customers take and optimizing their experience with individual touchpoints along the way.

Harvard Business Review

According to Bruner, all children have natural curiosity and a desire to become competent at various learning tasks; when a task as presented to them is too difficult, however, they become bored.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Once you get whatever it is you bought operational, you become competent at using it (or owning it).

Forbes

Brian Marvel, president of the San Diego Police Officers Association, estimates that it takes five years for a police officer to become competent at the job.

Huffington Post

The exercises were repeated until the students have become competent at this task.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But between its founding and World War II, the HBS faculty became competent at translating rigorous research into relevant reading for practicing managers, and by the end of the war HBR was poised to capitalize on the ensuing business boom.

Harvard Business Review

Our Ph.D. program emphasizes not only the deep knowledge and philological skills students must acquire in order to become future scholars, but also train them to become competent teachers at the college and university level.

Columbia University

We further assume that fish that initiate maturity as YOY can become competent spawners at the age 1 spawning event.

Evolutionary Applications

Socio-economically it also makes sense to educate doctors to become competent researchers at an early stage as their professional careers will be that much longer.

BMC Medical Education

Virtual larvae were assumed to become competent to settle at 32 days of age and remain suitable for settlement until the end of the simulated pelagic larval duration.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become competent at", ensure the object of the preposition 'at' is a specific activity or skill. For example, "become competent at data analysis" is clearer than "become competent at work".

Common error

Avoid using "become competent at" in overly broad contexts. Instead of saying "become competent at life", specify the skills or areas in which competence is desired, such as "become competent at managing finances" or "become competent at interpersonal communication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become competent at" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring skills or abilities. It is used to describe the act of gaining proficiency in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become competent at" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of gaining proficiency in a particular skill or activity. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, it's essential to use it in specific contexts rather than overly broad generalizations. Predominantly found in academic, scientific, and news-related sources, this phrase serves as a versatile tool for expressing skill development. Remember to specify the skill or area to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become skilled in

A more direct synonym, focusing on skill acquisition.

develop proficiency in

Focuses on the gradual development of skill.

acquire expertise in

Emphasizes gaining specialized knowledge.

master the art of

Highlights the skill as a craft or art form.

gain mastery over

Suggests comprehensive control and understanding.

excel in

Emphasizes superior performance.

improve one's ability in

Highlights the act of enhancing existing abilities.

get the hang of

A more informal way to describe learning something.

cultivate aptitude for

Suggests nurturing a natural talent or inclination.

get good at

An informal alternative for acquiring competence.

FAQs

How can I use "become competent at" in a sentence?

Use "become competent at" to describe the process of gaining proficiency in a particular skill or activity. For example, "With practice, you can "become competent at" coding".

What are some alternatives to "become competent at"?

Alternatives include "develop proficiency in", "acquire expertise in", or "become skilled in", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "become competent in" or "become competent at"?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "become competent at" is generally preferred when referring to a specific activity or skill. "Become competent in" may be used for broader areas of knowledge or fields.

What does it mean to "become competent at" something?

To ""become competent at"" something means to reach a satisfactory level of skill, knowledge, or ability in that particular area, allowing you to perform tasks effectively.