competence in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competence in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's skill or ability in a particular area or field. Example: "Her competence in data analysis has greatly contributed to the success of our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Demonstrable competence in relevant areas?

The New York Times

I was looking at competence in government".

The New Yorker

Gingrich calls for managerial competence in government.

The New Yorker

They test elements of competence in individual subjects.

The Guardian

Leadership is as important as competence in a president.

The New York Times

NASA and ESA have already demonstrated their competence in spades.

The Guardian

He wants "dignified competence in a person of utmost probity".

The Guardian

All applicants must demonstrate a basic competence in English.

The Guardian

"Tech talk is out," he adds, "and competence in".

The Economist

Competence in African leaders is no substitute for fairness.

The Economist

"Incompetent individuals were less able to recognize competence in others," the researchers concluded.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skills, use "competence in" followed by a specific noun or gerund (e.g., "competence in data analysis" or "competence in analyzing data").

Common error

Do not use "competence in" without specifying the area of competence. For example, instead of saying "He has competence", specify "He has competence in project management."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competence in" functions as a noun phrase, typically followed by a noun or gerund, to indicate proficiency or ability in a particular area. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competence in" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote skill or proficiency in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, contributing to its versatile nature. While it's generally neutral to professional in tone, specifying the area of competence is essential for clarity. Alternatives like "proficiency in" or "expertise in" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Considering the provided linguistic analysis and practical guidance, using "competence in" effectively involves specifying the area of skill and avoiding vague statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proficiency in

Emphasizes a high degree of skill or expertise.

expertise in

Highlights specialized knowledge and skill in a particular field.

skill in

Focuses on the general ability to perform a task well.

mastery of

Suggests comprehensive knowledge and control over a subject.

capability in

Indicates the potential or capacity to perform effectively.

aptitude for

Implies a natural talent or inclination towards something.

adeptness at

Highlights skill and quickness in performing a task.

experience in

Refers to practical knowledge and skill gained over time.

familiarity with

Indicates a good understanding or knowledge of something.

authority on

Implies recognized expertise and credibility in a subject.

FAQs

How do I use "competence in" in a sentence?

Use "competence in" to describe someone's skill or ability in a specific area. For example: "Her "competence in data analysis" significantly improved our project's outcome."

What are some alternatives to "competence in"?

Alternatives include "proficiency in", "expertise in", or "skill in", depending on the desired nuance. For instance, you might say "She has great "skill in" negotiation."

Is it better to use "competence in" or "competent in"?

"Competence in" is a noun phrase used to describe a general ability, while "competent in" is an adjective phrase used to describe someone who possesses that ability. For example, "She demonstrated "competence in" leadership", versus "She is "competent in" leading teams."

What's the difference between "competence in" and "experience in"?

"Competence in" refers to the ability to perform a task effectively, while "experience in" refers to practical knowledge gained over time. You can have "experience in" a field without necessarily having "competence in" it, and vice versa.