become proficient at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become proficient at" 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, you can become proficient at playing the piano."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can become proficient at anything.

Harvard Business Review

It takes practice to become proficient at mining Edgar.

The New York Times

We hypothesized that with minimal training, surgical interns could become proficient at performing BI.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

The Economist

Most teams become proficient at new tasks or processes over time.

Harvard Business Review

The training is donated free and the model is self-sustaining once the associates become proficient at promoting and selling.

The Guardian

Everything is learnable with the Internet, and at the least the kids will become proficient at Twitter.

The Washington Post

Although I have since become proficient at opening wine, visions of that crumbling cork stay with me.

Harvard Business Review

A company must become proficient at recognizing an opportunity, initiating action to capitalize on it, and prosecuting a program through to gain success with it.

New Product Development From Initial Idea to Product Management

Behavioral studies have shown that children take more than a decade of exposure and training to become proficient at processing faces at the individual level.

NeuroImage

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to show progress in skill development, use "become proficient at" followed by a specific skill or area. For example, "become proficient at data analysis" clearly indicates a goal of skill acquisition.

Common error

Avoid using "become proficient at" when referring to inherent qualities or subjective opinions. Proficiency implies a measurable skill, not a personal preference or natural talent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become proficient at" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring expertise or skill in a particular area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to describe the development of competence through learning and practice. Examples show its application across diverse fields, from sports to technical skills.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become proficient at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the process of gaining competence in a skill or activity. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is versatile and applicable across various fields. The analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signaling a neutral register leaning toward professional settings. While "become proficient at" is widely accepted, it's important to use it accurately to convey skill acquisition rather than subjective qualities. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, writers can effectively incorporate this phrase into their vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become skilled in

Highlights the development of a general level of skill.

develop expertise in

Focuses on developing a high level of skill or knowledge.

gain mastery of

Implies a comprehensive and authoritative level of skill.

hone your craft in

Implies perfecting skills in a specific art or profession.

acquire competence in

Emphasizes gaining a sufficient level of skill for a specific task.

sharpen your skills in

Indicates a focus on refining existing abilities.

excel in

Suggests surpassing the average level of performance.

improve your ability in

Highlights enhancement of pre-existing skills.

get the hang of

Informal way of saying to become skilled at something

get better at

Informal and general way of describing improving skills.

FAQs

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

Use "become proficient at" when describing the process of gaining expertise in a specific skill or activity. For example: "Consistent practice can help you "become proficient at" coding."

What are some alternatives to "become proficient at"?

Alternatives include "become skilled at", "develop expertise in", or "gain mastery of", depending on the context.

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

While both are acceptable, "become proficient at" is more commonly used when referring to an activity or skill. "Become proficient in" is often used for subjects or areas of knowledge.

How long does it take to "become proficient at" something?

The time required to "become proficient at" something varies greatly depending on the complexity of the skill, the individual's aptitude, and the amount of practice. Some skills might take weeks, while others may take years.