competent

USAGE SUMMARY

"competent" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You would use it to describe someone or something as having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. Example: She is a competent lawyer who always provides the best service to her clients.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People tend to like a leader they feel is economically competent".

The Guardian

It was impossible to ignore the basic point that, were Ayr even slightly more competent, they would punish Hibs' inadequacy.

The Guardian - Sport

"Your muscles waste away, you can't do anything, you end up possibly being fed through a tube, you have a machine to help you breathe, and you can be mentally competent – your brain is fully active – but you can't do anything.

The Guardian

"I know the argument that you persuade Auntie Doris to take her life because then you inherit the money, but you've got to have two doctors to certify that you are mentally competent and you are making a rational, well-informed decision on your own, without persuasion," he says.

The Guardian

There are different branches of Uncomms, including the Unapology, for when you're obliged to say sorry for something you don't regret; the Unimpression, by which you can convince people that you are competent and reliable, whatever the reality; and the Unpledge, the promise you have no intention of keeping.

The Guardian

She seems competent so I figure: why not.

The Guardian - Tech

Labour certainly will not recover if its leadership candidates do the Tories' work for them W Stephen Gilbert Labour will not recover by recasting itself as Tory-lite: fiscally responsible, austerity aware, NHS privatising but, as everyone knows, less competent at these things than the Tories are.

The Guardian

"This board is not competent to perform the duties expected of it," he said, as he called for the Financial Conduct Authority to broaden the scope of its investigation from the bank to the wider group.

The Guardian - Business

All of them so busy breaking their backs to shoehorn in the right pop culture references that along the way they forgot to be interesting or even competent.

The Guardian - Film

School is the only place they can learn and if the teachers, through lack of funding and training aren't fully competent, what chance do our children stand?" Additionally, teacher strikes are common in Honduras due to controversy over poor wages, but 88% of educational funding is already allocated toward their salaries.

The Guardian

If you need convincing, consider this: both Samantha Cameron and the Duchess of Cambridge, competent don't-frighten-the-horses modern dressers rather than cutting-edge trailblazers, have made the switch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's abilities, use "competent" to indicate they have the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience for a particular task. For instance, instead of saying "He's good at coding", say "He is a competent coder".

Common error

Avoid using "competent" to describe general character traits. Instead, link it to specific skills or tasks. Saying someone is "competent" without specifying in what area lacks precision. Instead, state "She is a competent project manager" or "He is competent in data analysis".

Linguistic Context

The word "competent" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing their level of skill, knowledge, or ability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "competent" is a commonly used term to describe someone or something possessing the necessary skills, knowledge, or qualifications. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical standing. It frequently appears in neutral and professional settings, such as news and business contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider "capable", "proficient", or "skilled" to provide a more nuanced description. Remember to link "competent" to specific skills or tasks rather than using it vaguely. The term is widely found in reliable sources such as The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable

Emphasizes inherent ability to perform a task.

proficient

Highlights skill acquired through training or practice.

skilled

Focuses on demonstrated expertise in a particular area.

qualified

Indicates that someone meets the necessary criteria or standards.

adept

Suggests a natural talent or quickness in learning.

expert

Implies a very high level of skill and knowledge.

efficient

Focuses on the ability to achieve results with minimal waste of time or effort.

effective

Highlights the ability to produce the desired result.

accomplished

Emphasizes a history of achievements and successes.

masterful

Suggests a commanding and highly skilled performance.

FAQs

How can I use "competent" in a sentence?

You can use "competent" to describe someone or something that has the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. For example, "She is a competent lawyer who always provides the best service to her clients."

What are some alternatives to saying "competent"?

You can use alternatives like "capable", "proficient", or "skilled" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "competent at" or "competent in"?

"Competent" can be followed by either "at" or "in", depending on the context. Both are acceptable. For instance, "He is competent at coding" and "She is competent in project management" are both correct.

What is the difference between "competent" and "proficient"?

"Competent" generally means having sufficient skill or knowledge for a task, while "proficient" implies a higher degree of skill and expertise. One might be competent after basic training, but proficiency comes with experience and mastery.