competent person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'competent person' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is knowledgeable in a particular area and is a reliable source of information. For example, "The board of directors hired a competent person to manage the company's finances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brooks 6 argued that competency could only be a subjective process as another competent person, however 'expert', was required to make this judgement.

BMJ Open

Just a very talented, competent person.

The New Yorker

Any competent person can oversee construction, he said.

The New York Times

And she is very good at making everyone feel a competent person is in charge.

The Guardian

"You are not the confident, competent person you once were, but neither are you debilitated.

The New York Times

That is amazing - a sensible, competent person from a sensible, competent country.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Abhisit is probably the most competent person to lead Thailand and manage the economy.

The New York Times

David is an excellent, competent person who covers himself very well.

The New York Times

You're raised to be a competent person, and then with relationships it all becomes a mess".

The New York Times

Ms. Ross is a highly competent person until things don't go exactly as she expects.

The New York Times

They can be changed or withdrawn at any time by a mentally competent person.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing someone's capability, use "competent person" to convey a sense of reliability and skill. For example, "Ensure a "competent person" handles the delicate equipment".

Common error

While "competent person" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in very casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "capable individual" or "skilled person" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competent person" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "competent" modifies the noun "person". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. It is used to describe an individual who possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, or abilities to perform a task or fulfill a role effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "competent person" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe someone with the necessary skills and abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It's commonly found in news, scientific and wiki contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for professional and objective communication. While versatile, consider alternatives like "capable individual" in more casual settings. When accuracy and skill are paramount, "competent person" is an excellent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable individual

Replaces "competent" with "capable", emphasizing the inherent ability to perform.

qualified professional

More formal, implies specific training and certification.

skilled worker

Focuses on practical skills and experience in a work setting.

proficient expert

Highlights a high level of skill and specialized knowledge.

adept practitioner

Implies a skillful and experienced person in a specific practice or field.

efficient operator

Emphasizes the ability to perform tasks quickly and effectively.

seasoned veteran

Focuses on extensive experience and knowledge gained over time.

master craftsman

Highlights exceptional skill and artistry in a particular craft.

knowledgeable resource

Emphasizes the person's ability to provide information and guidance.

resourceful individual

Highlights the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties

FAQs

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

You can use "competent person" to describe someone who has the necessary skills and abilities to perform a task effectively. For example, "The company hired a "competent person" to manage the project".

What are some synonyms for "competent person"?

Alternatives include "capable individual", "qualified professional", or "skilled worker". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "competent person" formal or informal?

"Competent person" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for professional, academic, and news contexts, but might sound a bit stilted in very casual conversation.

How does "competent person" differ from "experienced person"?

"Competent person" emphasizes the ability to perform a task effectively, while "experienced person" highlights knowledge gained over time. An experienced person may not necessarily be competent, and vice versa.