competence

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'competence' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's knowledge and ability to do a task or activity. For example: "The engineer demonstrated his competence in the maintenance of the machines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A man already known for his chillaxing tendencies, Dave has spent much of the campaign going through the motions, as if he believed that by constantly repeating "competence or chaos" he would automatically be given back the keys to No 10.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clegg then mocked one of the Tories' central campaign messages – that they offer competence rather than the chaos of their opponents.

The Guardian

The moral debate over welfare could soon yield to yet another argument over competence.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Tories lost their reputation for economic competence on Black Wednesday in 1992 and would have to suffer three election defeats before they were allowed anywhere near the steering wheel again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Crosby, who faced criticism for devising a heartless campaign that focused on the "long-term economic plan" and how the Tories offered competence versus Labour chaos, will now be praised for running a highly disciplined campaign.

The Guardian

The good news for Osborne is that the most recent polls also show that, when it comes to economic competence, the British public trust Osborne and the Conservatives more than his shadow, Ed Balls, and the Labour party.

The Guardian

The government's immediate task is to restore its reputation for competence.

The Guardian - Opinion

In addition to the Scot Nats, Ukip and plain nationalism, the two big factors in the election seemed to be the rejection of Ed Miliband and the Conservatives' higher rating for economic competence.

The Guardian

Miliband struggles on competence – the bungled Manchester speech or the many failures summed up in Fraser Nelson's remark, quoted in Tim Bale's new book on the Labour leader, that Miliband consistently fails to throw a second punch.

The Guardian - Opinion

The real winner on O'Donnell's report card approach, though, is Nicola Sturgeon, who exudes competence, scores strongly on shared values (as long as you are a Scot), and who, having shaken off the earlier pejorative "nippy sweetie" tag of which David Torrance writes in his new biography, is nowadays is making a serious effort to come over as likeable.

The Guardian - Opinion

In both these cases, ordinary people used technologies of connection to help them steer their own affairs, not merely managing complex domains to a minimal threshold of competence, but outperforming the official bodies formally entrusted with their stewardship.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "competence", specify the area or task in which someone excels to provide context and clarity. For example, "demonstrate competence in project management".

Common error

Avoid vague statements about overall competence without providing specific examples or evidence. Instead of saying "He has competence", specify "He has competence in data analysis and statistical modeling".

Linguistic Context

The word "competence" functions primarily as a noun, representing the quality of being adequate or well qualified. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from political discourse to professional evaluations, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes the quality of being skilled or capable. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across diverse contexts, with a notable presence in news, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. Given its common usage, focusing on clarity and specific examples will ensure that the term's usage is effective. When clarity is needed, it is better to specify competence in certain area rather than be vague.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skill

A general term for the ability to do something well.

ability

Refers to the general capacity to perform a task.

proficiency

Emphasizes skill and expertise acquired through training or experience.

capability

Focuses on the potential or inherent ability to perform a task.

expertise

Highlights specialized knowledge or skill in a particular area.

mastery

Implies a high level of skill and control.

aptitude

Focuses on a natural talent or inclination.

know-how

Highlights practical knowledge and skill.

effectiveness

Emphasizes the ability to produce a desired result.

talent

Implies an innate or exceptional ability.

FAQs

How can I use "competence" in a sentence?

You can use "competence" to describe someone's ability or skill in a particular area. For example, "The employee demonstrated a high level of "competence" in handling customer inquiries".

What words can I use instead of "competence"?

Alternatives to "competence" include "skill", "ability", "expertise", or "proficiency", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "competence in" or "competence at"?

"Competence in" is generally preferred when referring to a specific area or field. "Competence at" can be used, but it is less common.

What's the difference between "competence" and "confidence"?

"Competence" refers to the ability to do something well, while "confidence" is the belief in one's own abilities. You can have "competence" without "confidence", and vice versa.