build proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build proficiency" is correct and commonly used in written English.
Some examples of when you might use this phrase are: - In a job application or resume, you might say "I have been working to build proficiency in various programming languages." - In a performance review, a manager might write "John has been actively building proficiency in project management skills and has shown significant improvement in this area." - In a study skills workshop, the presenter might explain "Our goal is to help students build proficiency in note-taking and time management." - In a personal statement for a language course, you might say "I am determined to build proficiency in Spanish and immerse myself in the culture through travel and conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"To have questions answered live, in realtime will boost incentive to finish what you start, and actually build proficiency in a subject," says a student who participated in fashion designer Angela Kane's workshop on learning to sew t-shirts and jeans.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Because of the broad geographic dispersement of its people, Ojibwe is one of the most widely taught Indian languages, though Treuer says that few programs are extensive enough to build true proficiency.

Princeton University

Together, we must strengthen risk analysis and integrated reporting, build technical proficiency around measuring sustainability trends and risks, ensure effective communication with institutional investors and diversify the voices around the boardroom table to ensure the right set of skills, experiences and perspectives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Olds logged 650 hours of flying time during training, including 250 hours in the P-38 Lightning, as the 479th built its proficiency as a combat group.

Wikipedia

Jessica has been the driving force behind the Language of the Kitchen course, part of the ESL+Food Certificate, which aims to help students build their English proficiency to work as professional chefs or study local and global food issues in our Food Studies program.

Huffington Post

Her take-away, by the way, is: "Proficiency builds with exposure and practice".

The New York Times - Books

More importantly, schools must provide necessary remedial course programs to help the less proficient students to build their confidence in improving their English proficiency and at the same time in coping with the graduation benchmark requirement.

Language Testing in Asia

Furthermore, it is suggested that a needs analysis be conducted by test developers to investigate the levels of English proficiency required by different jobs and then build the relationship between the test scores and the levels of English proficiency.

Language Testing in Asia

All Hammond teachers participate in cultural proficiency initiatives as a way to build capacity as they identify and close opportunity gaps and address unintentional bias.

The Washington Post

A: We want to let developers and app developers help create products for all proficiencies, so we're building out an API, so that people can build study guides, etc.

TechCrunch

The report, which emphasized the need for proficiency in foreign languages, said the legislature promised to build more classrooms and dormitories and to ensure that school buses run on time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to show progress, use "build proficiency" to showcase a growth trajectory in a particular skill or area of expertise. It emphasizes active development and improvement over time.

Common error

Avoid using "build proficiency" when referring to innate talents or characteristics. This phrase is best suited for skills acquired through learning, training, or practice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build proficiency" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of developing or increasing skill or competence. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to describe active efforts toward skill improvement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "build proficiency" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the active development of skills and expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, focus on highlighting the process of improvement rather than static achievement. Related phrases such as "develop competence" or "enhance expertise" can offer nuanced alternatives to express the same core idea. Remember that "build proficiency" is most appropriate when referring to skills acquired through learning and not inherent traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop competence

Focuses on a broader sense of capability rather than specific skill development.

enhance expertise

Emphasizes improving a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular field.

cultivate mastery

Suggests a more gradual and deliberate process of skill development, often implying a higher level of achievement.

foster expertise

Highlights the act of nurturing and supporting the development of specialized skills or knowledge.

improve skills

A more general term that doesn't necessarily imply reaching a high level of competence.

advance capabilities

Focuses on expanding one's overall abilities rather than specific skills.

sharpen abilities

Implies refining existing skills to make them more effective.

increase aptitude

Highlights enhancing a natural talent or inclination for something.

strengthen competence

Suggests reinforcing existing skills to make them more robust.

gain mastery

Implies achieving a high level of skill through learning and experience.

FAQs

How can I use "build proficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "build proficiency" to describe the process of developing skills or expertise in a specific area. For example, "The course is designed to help students "build proficiency" in data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "build proficiency"?

Some alternatives include "develop competence", "enhance expertise", or "improve skills", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "gain proficiency" or "build proficiency"?

"Build proficiency" emphasizes the process of development, while "gain proficiency" focuses on the result of acquiring a certain level of skill. Both are correct, but the choice depends on whether you want to highlight the effort or the outcome.

What's the difference between "building proficiency" and "achieving proficiency"?

"Building proficiency" describes the ongoing process of improvement, whereas "achieving proficiency" indicates reaching a specific level of competence. One is a continuous action, and the other is a completed state.