become proficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become proficient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of gaining skill or expertise in a particular area or subject. Example: "With consistent practice and dedication, anyone can become proficient in playing a musical instrument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many months of practice are still required to become proficient.

The Economist

Children were on their own to become proficient at sports and to love them.

The New York Times - Sports

The law requires that all students become proficient in reading and math by 2014.

The New York Times

D'Antoni said players typically become proficient in the offense within two weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

They learned that top European clubs had all become proficient at teaching the necessary skills.

The Economist

Is there a way to teach math so virtually all children become proficient?

The New York Times

The Heinrichses stayed for six and a half years, struggling to become proficient in the language.

The New Yorker

Acclarent says doctors need to train on 10 patients to become proficient.

The New York Times

The cop has to become proficient in tripping up bad guys with his cape.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They see too few serious crimes to allow them to become proficient.

The Economist

We simply become proficient in the things that we make habitual.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become proficient", clearly specify the area or skill in which proficiency is being attained. This adds clarity and provides context to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "become proficient" without specifying the skill or area of expertise. For example, instead of saying "He wants to become proficient", specify "He wants to "become proficient" in coding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become proficient" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of achieving competence or skill in a specific area. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a grammatically sound phrase that describes the progression towards expertise, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become proficient" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to describe the process of gaining skill or expertise, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a broad applicability. While alternatives like "become skilled" or "acquire expertise" offer similar meanings, "become proficient" specifically highlights the attainment of a competent level. For best usage, ensure to specify the area of proficiency, and be mindful of the neutral to professional tone it conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become skilled

Emphasizes the attainment of skill, closely mirroring the original phrase's meaning.

gain proficiency

Highlights the process of achieving a competent level of performance.

become adept

Suggests a high level of skill and natural ability, implying ease and grace in execution.

acquire expertise

Focuses on gaining specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of a subject.

develop mastery

Indicates a comprehensive and authoritative command over a skill or subject.

become competent

Indicates a satisfactory level of skill that is sufficient for a specific task.

cultivate expertise

Suggests careful development and nurturing of skill over time.

master the art

Implies a refined skill achieved through dedicated practice.

hone skills

Focuses on refining and perfecting existing skills.

excel in

Suggests surpassing others or achieving a superior level of performance.

FAQs

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

Use "become proficient" to describe the process of gaining expertise in a skill or subject, such as "With consistent practice, you can "become proficient" in playing the piano."

What are some alternatives to "become proficient"?

You can use alternatives such as "become skilled", "acquire expertise", or "gain proficiency" depending on the context.

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

Both "become proficient in" and "become proficient at" are grammatically correct. "Become proficient in" is generally used with subjects or areas of study, while "become proficient at" is often used with specific skills or activities.

What level of expertise does "become proficient" imply?

"Become proficient" suggests reaching a competent level of skill or knowledge, enough to perform tasks effectively. It implies more than just a basic understanding but less than complete mastery.