become more proficient

USAGE SUMMARY

"become more proficient" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of gaining a skill or some knowledge. For example, "He dedicated himself to becoming more proficient in Spanish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While an advanced degree may help you become more proficient with a skill, similar proficiency is possible by learning on the job.

Forbes

As you become more proficient, you can be bolder and fill the pan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I also wanted to become more proficient in managing global teams.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Learning to become more proficient with business analytics takes practice, practice and more practice.

Harvard Business Review

And some say the practice may also help them become more proficient at what they do for a living.

The New York Times

Perhaps this was in the latter stage of the band's history, when the members had become more proficient musicians.

The New Yorker

As your young riders become more proficient, you may decide to give one of these extra trails a try.

The New York Times

We prefer doctors with surgical experience but are able to mentor those who wish to become more proficient.

Cornell University

Many U.S. companies are actively seeking to become more proficient at using the data captured in their information systems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

One doctor, deployed in an area of fighting along the Arghandab River, said medics on patrols had become more proficient at other lifesaving techniques, too.

The New York Times

Park took a different route, moving to the United States with her family when she was 12 so she could become more proficient in golf and English.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Contextualize with specific areas of improvement to clarify your objective, like 'become more proficient at public speaking' or 'become more proficient with project management software'.

Common error

Don't use "become more proficient" without specifying the skill or area of expertise. For example, saying "I want to become more proficient" is vague; instead, specify "I want to "become more proficient in coding"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become more proficient" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of improving or developing competence in a specific skill or area. It signifies a movement towards greater expertise. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become more proficient" is a versatile and correct phrase used to describe the process of improving one's skills or knowledge in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. For optimal use, remember to specify the area where you aim to improve to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include phrases like "become more skilled" or "improve one's expertise", offering slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become more skilled

Focuses specifically on the development of skills.

become more adept

Suggests a natural talent or inclination, alongside skill development.

become more competent

Emphasizes the acquisition of necessary abilities to perform a task effectively.

become more capable

Highlights the increase in one's overall ability to handle various tasks.

improve one's expertise

Focuses on enhancing specialized knowledge or skill in a particular area.

hone one's skills

Suggests refining existing skills to a sharper, more precise level.

develop greater mastery

Implies achieving a high level of control and understanding.

advance one's abilities

Highlights the forward progression and improvement of abilities.

gain greater command

Focuses on achieving stronger control and authority in a specific area or skill.

cultivate greater expertise

Suggests a deliberate and careful development of specialized knowledge.

FAQs

What's the difference between "become more proficient" and "become more skilled"?

While both phrases suggest improvement, "become more proficient" often implies a broader understanding and competence, while "become more skilled" focuses specifically on enhancing a particular skill.

How can I use "become more proficient" in a sentence?

You can use "become more proficient" to describe improving expertise in a specific area, such as "She is taking a course to "become more proficient in data analysis"" or "Regular practice will help you "become more proficient at public speaking"".

What are some alternatives to "become more proficient"?

Alternatives include "become more adept", "become more competent", or "improve one's expertise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "becoming more proficient"?

Yes, "becoming more proficient" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It is the present participle form, often used to describe an ongoing process of improvement, such as "He is "becoming more proficient" with the new software".