been skilled at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been skilled at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular area or activity. Example: "She has always been skilled at playing the piano, impressing everyone with her talent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She has always been skilled at tackling difficult subjects within a populist framework.

Independent

This pig, he said, had been skilled at burrowing holes through the mud and straw of its pen and escaping.

The New Yorker

Or you may have been skilled at developing creative PowerPoint presentations, but now you're skilled at developing creative masturbation scenarios.

The New Yorker

The staged photo opportunity turned out to be a last hurrah for a regime that had always been skilled at manipulating the media.

The Guardian

Brown has always been skilled at delivering in-my-day rants, going on about the hardships and realities of old-school players.

The New York Times - Sports

But the Roma have been skilled at returning to Romania and Bulgaria, where they say they face worse discrimination and poverty, and then slipping back into France, where, under European Union rules, they can enter without a visa.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Tiger Global, meanwhile, is skilled at international expansions.

The New York Times

You are skilled at navigating linear politics.

The Guardian

He is skilled at doing so.

The Guardian

Truth was skilled at promoting herself.

The New York Times

"We are skilled at emergency evacuations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been skilled at" when referring to a specific activity or task rather than general qualities. For example, "He has been skilled at coding since he was a teenager."

Common error

Avoid using "been skilled at" with abstract or vague nouns. Instead of saying "He has been skilled at life", which is unclear, specify the area of skill: "He has been skilled at navigating difficult situations in life".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been skilled at" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high level of competence in a specific area or activity. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing various examples of its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been skilled at" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's proficiency in a particular area. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it serves to highlight expertise and competence across various fields. Its neutral register makes it suitable for professional, news, and general conversational contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it is paired with specific nouns to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "proficient in" or "adept at" for variations in tone or emphasis. It's especially useful to describe developed skills and experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been proficient in

Focuses on the level of competence achieved.

been adept in

Emphasizes natural talent or quickness in learning.

been accomplished in

Highlights a significant level of skill and experience.

been experienced with

Highlights practical knowledge gained over time.

been talented at

Suggests a natural aptitude for something.

been masterful at

Indicates exceptional skill and control.

been qualified for

Suggests formal training or certification.

excelled in

Highlights outstanding performance compared to others.

been competent in

Indicates a satisfactory level of skill.

been effective in

Focuses on the ability to achieve desired results.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "been skilled at" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "proficient in", "adept at", or "experienced in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Been skilled at" implies a state of current proficiency, while "become skilled at" suggests a process of developing that skill over time. For example, "She has been skilled at playing the piano since childhood" versus "She has become skilled at coding through online courses".

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

While "been skilled in" is grammatically acceptable, "been skilled at" is generally more common and idiomatic when referring to a specific activity or task. "Been skilled in" might be more appropriate when referring to a broader field of expertise. Thus, you might prefer the former when referring to an academic domain or field.

What are some common contexts where "been skilled at" is used?

The phrase "been skilled at" is frequently used in professional settings to describe someone's expertise, in news articles to highlight abilities, and in general conversation to acknowledge someone's competence in a particular skill or activity.