competence to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competence to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability or qualifications to perform a specific task or role. Example: "The committee evaluated her competence to lead the project effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But employers don't have the competence to do that".

The New York Times

The legislation is well within the state's competence to enact.

The New York Times

Nothing is beyond the teacher's competence to care.

The New York Times - Arts

Quality ranges from journeyman competence to high academic proficiency.

The New York Times - Arts

"Who has the competence to implement the program?

The New York Times

Or even the competence to progress beyond the quarterfinals.

The New York Times - Sports

The court's precedents suggest that the standards for competence to stand trial and competence to represent oneself are one and the same.

The New York Times

Mr. Baldwin said he had neither the ambition nor the competence to conduct.

The New York Times

That people will automatically question their competence to do the job.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is often because primary heads feel they lack competence to judge language provision, Ofsted says.

The Guardian

But his competence to represent himself was apparently never questioned by ICE.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating someone's "competence to" perform a task, clearly define the specific skills, knowledge, and experience required for successful execution. This ensures a fair and objective assessment.

Common error

Avoid assuming or implying "competence to" perform a task without providing concrete evidence or examples of relevant skills, experience, or qualifications. Support your claims with specific details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competence to" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, typically modifying a verb or noun. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its primary role is to express the ability or qualification to perform a specific action or task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competence to" is a commonly used phrase that describes the ability, qualification, or skill needed to perform a task. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business environments. While "competence to" is considered professional, there are various alternatives that can be used depending on the context and desired nuance, such as "ability to", "capacity to", or "expertise to". It is important to provide evidence and avoid overstating "competence to" without support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to

Focuses on the general capacity to perform, slightly broader than specific competence.

capacity to

Emphasizes the potential or inherent capability, rather than demonstrated skill.

capability to

Highlights the resources and means available to achieve something.

expertise to

Stresses specialized knowledge and skill in a particular area.

proficiency to

Implies a high degree of skill and mastery.

qualified to

Indicates that someone meets the necessary requirements or standards.

entitlement to

Focuses on having a legal or moral right to something.

authority to

Implies the power or right to give orders or make decisions.

jurisdiction to

Refers specifically to the legal power to exercise authority.

power to

Highlights the ability to influence or control something.

FAQs

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

You can use "competence to" to describe someone's capability or qualification to perform a specific task. For example: "The board evaluated her competence to lead the project".

What's the difference between "competence to" and "ability to"?

"Competence to" often implies a demonstrated skill or qualification, while "ability to" is a more general term for the capacity to do something.

What are some alternatives to "competence to"?

Alternatives include "expertise to", "proficiency to", "qualified to", or "capacity to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "competence to" in formal writing?

While "competence to" is appropriate for formal writing, it is not always necessary. Simpler alternatives like "ability to" or "capable of" may be suitable in less formal contexts.