become skilled at

USAGE SUMMARY

"become skilled at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone acquires a skill as the result of practice and learning. For example: "She has become skilled at playing the piano over the last five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

Messengers become skilled at animal husbandry; milking a goat, delivering litters of puppies, etc.

The New Yorker

Second, it has become skilled at responding strategically to the regulatory regimes in its diverse markets.

Harvard Business Review

Publicists, wary of prying questions, have become skilled at compressing conversations with reporters to a bare minimum of minutes.

The New York Times - Food

"The idea that to become skilled at something you need to practise for 10,000 hours is baloney.

The Guardian - Sport

"People have met their wives, met their girlfriends" and made lifelong friends and become skilled at volleyball.

The New York Times

Subscribers rapidly become skilled at finding what they want, particularly because they are paying for their time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They do not become skilled at taking care of themselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become skilled at", ensure the specific skill or area of expertise is clearly identified. For example, "become skilled at data analysis" is more informative than just "become skilled".

Common error

Avoid using "become skilled at" without specifying the skill. Saying someone "became skilled" lacks clarity. Always include the specific area of expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become skilled at" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring proficiency in a particular activity or area. As Ludwig highlights, it describes the development of expertise through learning and practice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become skilled at" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of acquiring expertise in a particular area. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to science and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the skill being developed. Alternatives like "become proficient in" and "become adept at" offer nuanced variations, but "become skilled at" remains a reliable and commonly used choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become proficient in

Focuses more on achieving a high level of competence.

become adept at

Highlights a natural talent or quickness in learning.

develop expertise in

Emphasizes the gradual growth of knowledge and skill.

cultivate a talent for

Suggests careful nurturing and development of an innate ability.

hone skills in

Implies refining existing abilities to a sharper, more effective state.

master the art of

Indicates a high level of skill and understanding, often in a creative or complex area.

gain competence in

Focuses on acquiring the necessary abilities to perform a task adequately.

acquire mastery of

Stresses the achievement of comprehensive knowledge and control over a subject.

become well-versed in

Highlights thorough knowledge and understanding of a topic.

grow to be skillful at

Illustrates a gradual process of developing skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "become skilled at" to describe the process of acquiring expertise through practice and learning. For example, "She has "become skilled at playing the guitar" after years of practice."

What are some alternatives to "become skilled at"?

Alternatives include phrases like "become proficient in", "become adept at", or "develop expertise in", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "become skilled in" instead of "become skilled at"?

While "become skilled at" is more common, "become skilled in" can also be correct depending on the context. "At" is generally preferred when referring to a specific activity or task, while "in" might be used for a broader field of study.

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

"Become skilled at" implies a higher level of proficiency and expertise compared to "become good at", which suggests a more general level of competence.