competence that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competence that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific type of skill or ability that is being referenced or defined. Example: "The project requires a competence that is rare among recent graduates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it American competence that is feared, or incompetence?

The Economist

He has a reputation for competence that Ms Royal lacks.

The Economist

It's this frequent lack of courtesy and competence that keeps commuters in a habitual grievance mentality.

The New York Times

It is intended to be a reliable measure of competence that can be administered quickly.

The New York Times

Once you identify a competence that meets those criteria, what's the next step?

Harvard Business Review

"The Hilton is laid out with a competence that would make a computer blush," she wrote.

The New York Times

"The man has shown a quiet competence that is in stark contrast to what came before.

The New York Times

The new interior minister has a reputation for quiet competence that is rare among Saudi princes.

The Economist

When I've just bought all these supplies!" Ms. Mulamba's Mother Courage has a brisk, occasionally playful competence that works well.

The New York Times

The drama, like the fight sequences, is handled with a competence that is more flat-footed than inspiring.

The New York Times

The subtleties in these and other questions were part of the active competence that attended the whole science.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "competence that", ensure the following clause clearly defines or elaborates on the specific area of competence being referenced. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "competence that" in overly broad or vague statements. Always specify the area of competence to provide context and meaning. For example, instead of "He has a competence that is impressive", write "He has a competence in financial analysis that is impressive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competence that" functions as a relative clause, further defining or specifying the type of competence being referred to. It adds a descriptive element to the noun it modifies, providing more information about the nature or scope of the competence. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "competence that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used relative clause that serves to specify or qualify a particular skill or ability. Ludwig AI shows its usage is common across various contexts, notably in news media, science, and business. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to ensure that the following clause provides clear and specific details about the area of competence. While "competence that" is generally suitable for neutral to professional communication, it is essential to avoid overgeneralization and to clarify the area of competence to enhance clarity and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skill that

Replaces "competence" with the more general term "skill".

ability that

Substitutes "competence" with "ability", focusing on the capacity to perform.

expertise that

Replaces "competence" with a term suggesting a higher level of skill and knowledge.

proficiency that

Emphasizes the state of being skilled and capable in a particular area.

capability that

Focuses on the potential and capacity to achieve something.

mastery that

Implies a complete command and deep understanding of a subject or skill.

talent that

Highlights a natural aptitude or innate ability.

aptitude that

Similar to "talent", emphasizing a natural inclination or suitability.

capacity for

Shifts the focus to the potential to develop competence.

know-how that

Informal term emphasizing practical knowledge and skills.

FAQs

How can I use "competence that" in a sentence?

Use "competence that" to specify a particular skill or ability. For example, "The role requires a "competence that" is rare among recent graduates."

What are some alternatives to "competence that"?

You can use alternatives such as "skill that", "ability that", or "expertise that" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "competence which" instead of "competence that"?

While both "that" and "which" can introduce relative clauses, "that" is generally preferred for restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence. In most cases involving "competence", "that" is the more appropriate choice.

What does "competence" really mean?

Competence refers to the ability to do something successfully or efficiently. It encompasses the knowledge, skills, and capabilities required to perform a specific task or fulfill a particular role effectively.