brilliant at

USAGE SUMMARY

"brilliant at" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to describe a high level of ability in a certain area. For example, "She was brilliant at science and always scored the highest marks on her tests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's brilliant at it.

Independent

"They're brilliant at it".

The New York Times

He's brilliant at Bush.

Yale University

He is brilliant at structure.

The New York Times

He is brilliant at that.

Independent

Some are brilliant at it.

The New York Times - Sports

"Josie is brilliant at that.

The New York Times

They are brilliant at process.

The New York Times - Magazine

Brilliant at maths... hmm.

The Guardian - Tech

He's brilliant at writing commercial music".

Independent

Some were brilliant at doing one thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brilliant at" to clearly convey a high level of skill or expertise in a specific area. Ensure the context makes it clear what the subject excels at.

Common error

While acceptable, "brilliant at" might sound too informal for very formal writing. Consider using a more formal alternative like "proficient in" or "adept at" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brilliant at" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's exceptional skill or talent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brilliant at" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe someone's exceptional skill or talent, as verified by Ludwig AI. While suitable for various contexts, including news and media, more formal synonyms may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. The phrase's primary function is to express admiration and highlight expertise. When aiming for clarity and impact in your writing, remember to pair "brilliant at" with a clearly defined skill or area of expertise. When this expression feels less suitable you can replace it with exceptional at or outstanding at.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional at

Emphasizes the rarity and outstanding nature of the skill.

outstanding at

Highlights the superior quality of the ability.

adept at

Suggests a skillful proficiency achieved through practice.

proficient in

Focuses on the mastery of a specific skill or subject.

highly skilled in

Directly states a high level of competence.

talented at

Highlights a natural aptitude for something.

gifted in

Suggests an innate ability or special endowment.

accomplished in

Implies a refined skill developed over time.

expert in

Indicates specialized knowledge and mastery.

masterful at

Emphasizes complete control and expertise.

FAQs

How can I use "brilliant at" in a sentence?

Use "brilliant at" to describe someone's exceptional skill or talent in a particular area. For example, "She is brilliant at solving complex problems".

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "brilliant at" something?

You can use alternatives such as "exceptional at", "outstanding at", or "adept at" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "brilliant at" or "brilliant in"?

"Brilliant at" is generally preferred when referring to a skill or activity, while "brilliant in" is more common when referring to a field of study. For example, "She is brilliant at playing the piano" versus "He is brilliant in mathematics".

What is the difference between being "good at" and "brilliant at" something?

Being "good at" something implies competence and skill, while being "brilliant at" something suggests an exceptional or outstanding level of ability. "Brilliant at" is a stronger, more emphatic way to describe someone's talent.