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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
building competence
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"building competence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the context of education or learning, meaning to expand one's knowledge or ability on a particular subject. For example: "By attending lectures and completing homework assignments, George is steadily building competence in European history."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(19)
developing expertise
enhancing capabilities
improving skills
acquiring know-how
sharpening talents
foster competence
empowerment
approved power
delegated power
accepted power
development of competence
enhancing competence
development of skill
development of expertise
achievement of experience
gaining experience
acquisition of experience
progressing ability
developing skills
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
This focus on building competence among the staff is an important issue in relation to the here and now situation of the children and also with regard to the lifelong learning perspective.
Education, the second "E", is about building competence.
News & Media
These include activities that provide opportunities for (i) youth autonomy and decision making, (ii) collaborative work with youth and adults, (iii) reflection, (iv) psychological engagement and (v) building competence, confidence, character, connection and caring [ 11– 11].
Science
For the first assignment, I focused mostly on building competence in the modeling process, such as clearly stating a model objective and its nontrivial assumptions and exploring scenarios by methodically choosing parameter and variable ranges.
Science
This would require building competence, providing supportive supervision, ensuring SBAs understand the importance of monitoring of labour, and creating a conducive environment by addressing staff shortages and ensuring women arrive at facilities in the first stage of labour.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
Established pharmaceutical companies with decades of experience in chemically synthesized drugs faced a major hurdle in building competences in molecular biology.
News & Media
Building competences in adolescents with a CC, strengthening connectedness and a better communication within the family, school, peer group and health care professionals will enhance resilience and increase the opportunities to improve health outcomes in this population, creating opportunities to support their school and future professional career (Matos et al. 2012a, b; Oeseburg et al. 2010b).
He is currently conducting research on building core competence within an enterprise to gain competitive advantage.
Academia
Inherent in both initial perceptions and long-term trust building is competence in the form of technical and tactical proficiency.
News & Media
Decision makers at the top of the organization must be aware of these core, underlying cultural differences as the most critical, initial step for building cultural competence and agility at the enterprise level.
News & Media
Drawing on their decades of training and consulting work, as well as a robust theory of negotiation, the authors provide a step-by-step model for building organizational competence.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing long-term goals, use "building competence" to emphasize the ongoing and gradual development of skills or knowledge.
Common error
Avoid using "building competence" when referring to a one-time training event; instead, use it to describe a sustained effort toward skill development.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "building competence" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the process of acquiring or enhancing skills and abilities. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
20%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
20%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "building competence" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for describing the process of acquiring or enhancing skills and abilities. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific, academic, and professional contexts, emphasizing a continuous and intentional effort toward skill development. While alternatives such as "developing expertise" or "enhancing capabilities" exist, "building competence" specifically highlights a gradual, step-by-step approach to learning. To use it effectively, reserve "building competence" for describing sustained efforts rather than one-time events.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
developing expertise
Focuses on the process of gaining a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area.
enhancing capabilities
Emphasizes the improvement and augmentation of existing abilities.
cultivating proficiency
Highlights the nurturing and careful development of a particular skill.
fostering skill
Focuses on promoting and encouraging the growth of a particular skill set.
improving skills
Directly indicates the act of making one's skills better.
gaining mastery
Suggests achieving a comprehensive understanding and control over a skill or subject.
strengthening aptitude
Implies reinforcing and improving a natural talent or capacity.
acquiring know-how
Focuses on obtaining practical knowledge and skills.
sharpening talents
Emphasizes the refinement and improvement of existing talents.
advancing skill sets
Highlights the progressive development and expansion of skills.
FAQs
How can I use "building competence" in a sentence?
You can use "building competence" to describe the process of developing skills or knowledge in a specific area. For example, "The training program focuses on "building competence" in data analysis".
What are some alternatives to "building competence"?
Alternatives include "developing expertise", "enhancing capabilities", or "cultivating proficiency", depending on the specific context.
Is it better to say "building competence" or "developing competence"?
Both "building competence" and "developing competence" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "building competence" might emphasize a gradual, step-by-step process, while "developing competence" can refer to a more general expansion of skills.
In what contexts is "building competence" most appropriate?
"Building competence" is well-suited for describing educational programs, professional development initiatives, and long-term learning goals. It's often used in academic, scientific, and business settings where the focus is on continuous improvement.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested