competent in

USAGE SUMMARY

"competent in" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
For example, "She proved to be proficient and competent in the medical profession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let them be competent in somebody else's stewardship.

The New York Times - Sports

She's a competent musician, competent in everything she has done.

The New York Times - Style

He is generous and competent in the kitchen.

The New York Times

The referees are "good people, honest people, competent in what they do," Modell said.

The New York Times - Sports

Theresa May's plan assumes that overseas UK visa units are efficient and competent in issuing visas.

The Guardian

I am a believer in traction control, and the XC90 proved competent in a heavy snowstorm.

The New York Times

Her performance, by the way, is more than competent in professional terms.

The New York Times

Mr. Karasyk said that Detective Vasquez had been rated highly competent in his last personnel evaluation.

The New York Times

This is the only one of the four I am competent in.

The New Yorker

The furniture is inherently competent in the way it supports the body".

The New York Times - Books

She was very competent in her job, she did a great job.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, follow "competent in" with a specific area or skill to provide clarity and context. For example, "She is competent in data analysis."

Common error

Do not use "competent in" without specifying the area of competence. Saying someone is simply "competent" lacks impact. Add specifics, such as "competent in project management" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competent in" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's ability or skill level within a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "competent in" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for indicating someone's proficiency or skill within a specific domain. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and understood. While alternatives like "skilled in" or "proficient in" exist, "competent in" provides a clear and professional tone. Remember to always specify the area of competence to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. This phrase is versatile across various contexts, from news articles to professional evaluations, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skilled in

Focuses on acquired expertise or talent in a particular area.

proficient in

Highlights a high degree of skill and expertise acquired through training or practice.

adept at

Implies natural ability or quickness in learning and performing something.

capable in

Suggests having the ability or qualities necessary to do something.

experienced in

Emphasizes knowledge and skill gained from practical involvement over time.

knowledgeable in

Highlights having a deep understanding and awareness of a particular subject.

well-versed in

Indicates comprehensive knowledge and familiarity, often from study or experience.

qualified in

Suggests formal certification or training that makes one suitable for a role.

accomplished in

Focuses on the achievement of a high level of skill or expertise.

effective in

Highlights the ability to produce a desired result or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "competent in" in a sentence?

Use "competent in" to describe someone's proficiency or skill within a specific area. For example, "The engineer is "competent in structural design"".

What are some alternatives to "competent in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "skilled in", "proficient in", or "adept at".

Is it more formal to say "competent in" or "good at"?

"Competent in" is generally considered more formal and professional than "good at". Use "competent in" in professional or academic contexts, and "good at" in informal settings.

What is the difference between "competent in" and "expert in"?

"Competent in" suggests a satisfactory level of skill and knowledge, while "expert in" implies a very high level of skill, knowledge, and experience. An expert possesses deeper understanding and mastery than someone merely competent in a field.