become skillful at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become skillful at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of acquiring proficiency or expertise in a particular skill or activity. Example: "With consistent practice, you can become skillful at playing the piano."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I know none of us normally think of letting go as a skill, but it really is something that we can participate in and become skillful at doing.

Huffington Post

Mr. Bruno's proposal seeks to impose changes on a system that has remained largely unchanged since the Watergate era, even though politicians have become skillful at finding ways to skirt the existing finance laws with little threat of serious penalty.

The New York Times

0.42 0.60 0.21 It would be easy for me to become skillful at using e-learning.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Sample questions include "It would be easy for me to become skillful at using the GPS-based MCL System" (perceived ease of use) and "I would find the GPS-based MCL System useful in learning about different plants in English" (perceived usefulness).

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

There is no question that in order to become skillful at any sport or fitness activity, you need to participate in and practice the activity.

Huffington Post

Manifesting is your divine power, but like any talent, you need to become skillful at it, to use it in its full force.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Others work collaboratively within the evolving framework of digital media to become skillful in interactive and nonlinear forms of communication.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The participants practice two to five times to become skillful before recording the experiment.

ROBOMECH Journal

We can actually train ourselves to become skillful in managing stress.

HuffPost

Employers have noted the importance of undergraduate internships in preparing students to become skillful professionals after graduation.

Huffington Post

She took note of the setting of the traps, and became skillful, quick, and ruthless at the deheading and bagging of the catch.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become skillful at", ensure you clearly specify the activity or skill being developed. For instance, "become skillful at data analysis" is more informative than just "become skillful".

Common error

Avoid using "become skillful at" without specifying what one is becoming skillful at. The phrase requires a clear object to maintain its meaning and relevance. Avoid writing sentences such as: "He wants to become skillful at", instead, use: "He wants to "become skillful at" playing the guitar".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become skillful at" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring or developing competence in a specific skill or activity. It highlights the transition from a state of lesser ability to a state of greater proficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become skillful at" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of gaining proficiency in a particular skill or activity. While Ludwig indicates that it is correctly used, it's important to specify the skill being developed for clarity. Alternatives like "develop proficiency in" or "acquire expertise in" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a generally neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop proficiency in

Focuses on the development of proficiency, suggesting a gradual improvement and expertise gained through practice.

acquire expertise in

Emphasizes the acquisition of specialized knowledge or skill in a particular area.

master the art of

Suggests achieving a high level of skill and artistry in a specific activity or field.

gain competence in

Highlights the attainment of the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively.

cultivate a talent for

Implies nurturing and developing a natural aptitude or skill through dedication and practice.

hone one's skills in

Emphasizes refining and perfecting existing skills through focused effort and experience.

excel at

Highlights achieving outstanding performance or success in a particular activity.

become adept in

Indicates gaining a high level of skill and proficiency in a specific area.

get the hang of

Implies gradually learning how to do something successfully, often through trial and error.

get good at

A more casual way of saying becoming skillful.

FAQs

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

Use "become skillful at" to describe the process of acquiring proficiency in a specific activity. For example, "With practice, you can "become skillful at" playing the piano".

What are some alternatives to "become skillful at"?

You can use alternatives such as "develop proficiency in", "acquire expertise in", or "master the art of" depending on the context.

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

While "become skillful in" is grammatically acceptable, "become skillful at" is more common and often preferred, especially when referring to specific activities or tasks. Both can be correct, but context matters.

What's the difference between "become skillful at" and "improve at"?

"Become skillful at" implies starting from a lower level of proficiency, whereas "improve at" suggests enhancing existing skills. The choice depends on whether you're starting from scratch or building on prior knowledge.