becomes adept at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes adept at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is gaining skill or proficiency in a particular area or task. Example: "With practice and dedication, she becomes adept at playing the piano."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The other-directed person becomes adept at pleasing others, at selling him or herself.

The New York Times

The fellow becomes adept at ordering special stains and molecular studies independently and in reviewing the literature on unusual cases.

Yale University

After a company becomes adept at cultivating learning relationships with its current customers, how might it expand?

Harvard Business Review

"The room should feel empty when you're in it," he is told by supervisors, and he becomes adept at disappearing in plain sight.

The New York Times

The book's first, and most horrifying, story, "Blue Rose," is about a psychopathic boy who becomes adept at hypnotizing his little brother; it's about the need to bend the world to the shape of one's own warped perceptions, to wring reality's neck until everything goes blessedly quiet.

The New York Times - Books

Harris plays the part for comedy and for anger, portraying Street as a sardonic victim of racism who, having grown up conforming to the expectations of others, becomes adept at fitting into any role that's thrust upon him — or that he chooses.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I've become adept at seeming shorter.

The New York Times

They become adept at manipulation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cornered, Siddal became adept at emotional manipulation.

The Guardian - Arts

He became adept at several languages.

The New Yorker

People became adept at abbreviated communications.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "becomes adept at", follow it with a specific and measurable skill or activity to provide context and clarity. For example, "becomes adept at data analysis" is more effective than "becomes adept at skills."

Common error

Avoid using "becomes adept at" with vague or abstract concepts. Instead of saying "becomes adept at life", specify a tangible skill or area of expertise such as "becomes adept at managing personal finances."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes adept at" functions as a verb phrase complement. It describes the process of acquiring skill or proficiency in a particular area. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable and correct in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "becomes adept at" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to express the process of gaining skill or proficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for describing how someone develops expertise in a specific area. While the phrase itself is neutral, its formality can vary slightly depending on the context, ranging from academic to journalistic writing. Remember to follow it with a specific skill, and avoid vagueness to ensure clarity and effectiveness in your writing. Some alternatives include "develops proficiency in" and "acquires expertise in".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes proficient in

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes competence and efficiency.

develops proficiency in

Focuses on the development of skill, implying a gradual improvement.

acquires expertise in

Highlights the acquisition of specialized knowledge or skill.

grows skilled in

Emphasizes the process of becoming skilled over time.

masters the art of

Suggests a high level of skill and control in a particular area.

gains mastery of

Implies a comprehensive understanding and control.

excels at

Indicates exceptional performance or skill.

becomes experienced in

Highlights the accumulation of practical knowledge through practice.

cultivates a talent for

Focuses on nurturing and developing a natural aptitude.

improves skill in

Concentrates on the improvement of an existing skill set.

FAQs

How can I use "becomes adept at" in a sentence?

Use "becomes adept at" to describe someone who is developing a skill through practice. For example, "She "becomes adept at public speaking" after attending several workshops."

What are some alternatives to using "becomes adept at"?

Alternatives include "becomes skilled in", "masters the art of", or "grows proficient in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "becomes adept in" or "becomes adept at"?

"Becomes adept at" is generally preferred. While "becomes adept in" isn't grammatically incorrect, "at" is more commonly used and sounds more natural when referring to skills or activities.

What's the difference between "adept at" and "proficient in"?

"Adept at" suggests a natural talent or quickness in learning, while "proficient in" implies competence achieved through training or experience. Someone might be "adept at" improvising, but "proficient in" a specific coding language.