best at that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best at that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone's superior skill or proficiency in a specific area or task. Example: "When it comes to problem-solving, she is the best at that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

He was the best at that.

The Guardian - Sport

Nick Ashford, who died on Monday at the age of 70, was one of the best at that.

The New York Times - Arts

I think that's part of an intangible that he has, a mental toughness, and I think he's one of the best at that on our team".

The New York Times - Sports

It is true that Sanders was a timid tackler but a cornerback's primary job is to cover wide receivers, and Sanders was the best at that.

The New York Times - Sports

The Rome game demonstrated just how idle talk of who is the greatest this or the best at that can be.

The Guardian - Sport

"His will rubbed off on me that I could be the best I could be in whatever I chose, and when I moved on to something else that I had the same work ethic, the same desire to be the best at that also".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"I figured I had my best shot at that here".

The New York Times - Sports

But the organisations that are best at doing that aren't necessarily the ones we most need".

The Guardian

It's the thing that I'm best at and that I like the most.

The Guardian

"You want the best guy at that time to play".

The New Yorker

"Dennis Rodman was one of the best players at that time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "best at that", ensure the context clearly defines "that" to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "She's the best at that", specify "She's the best at problem-solving".

Common error

Avoid using "best at that" without a clear reference point. Saying someone is "the best at that" without specifying what "that" refers to can confuse the reader. Always provide a specific skill or activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best at that" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, followed by a prepositional phrase. It highlights superior skill or proficiency in a specific activity. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used to describe someone who excels in a particular area.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "best at that" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned expression used to denote someone's superior skill or proficiency in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English. While it is not very common, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the reference point for "that" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "most proficient in that" or "excelled at that" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most proficient in that

Replaces "best" with "most proficient", emphasizing skill and expertise.

excelled at that

Uses "excelled" as a verb to highlight outstanding performance.

top in that field

Specifies a "field" to provide a broader context of expertise.

leading in that

Indicates being ahead or most advanced in a particular area.

preeminent in that

Emphasizes a superior rank or position in a specific domain.

unsurpassed at that

Highlights that the skill or ability is unmatched.

master of that

Implies complete control and skill in a specific area.

adept in that

Focuses on being highly skilled or nimble in the specific task.

expert in that

Highlights specialized knowledge or skill in the area.

highly skilled in that

Directly states a high level of competence.

FAQs

How can I use "best at that" in a sentence?

Use "best at that" to indicate someone's superior skill in a particular area. For example, "He was the "best at that", breaking the lines of the opposition's defence".

What are some alternatives to "best at that"?

You can use alternatives such as "most proficient in that", "excelled at that", or "leading in that" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "best at that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe someone's superior skill or ability in a specific area. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English.

How formal is the phrase "best at that"?

The formality of "best at that" is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts ranging from news articles to casual conversations. More formal alternatives exist if a higher degree of formality is required.