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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
competent subject
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "competent subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is knowledgeable or skilled in a particular area or field. Example: "In order to conduct the experiment effectively, we need a competent subject who understands the principles of physics."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Like I said, given a professional examiner, a competent subject, and a clear issue, polygraph results are remarkably accurate.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The researchers attributed this to the fact that, in the absence of information about how others were doing, highly competent subjects assumed that others were performing as well as they were -- a phenomenon psychologists term the "false consensus effect".
News & Media
According to CSEM, formal semantic representations do not contain all the information on the basis of which lexically competent subjects use and interpret words.
Science
According to Goldberg, in light of arguments for content externalism, we may have to abandon the view that logically competent subjects are able to know a priori that their inferences are valid.
Science
Still, the opposition of medical science clashes with the new patient-centred approach, which sees patients as "competent" subjects within the therapeutic relationship, who exert their right to be satisfied in their roles as guests/clients, both in terms of the diagnosis and treatment that they receive, and in terms of their expectations related to comfortable clinical and hospital spaces.
Polygraph examinations -- properly conducted by trained professionals on competent subjects with a clear issue -- are remarkably accurate, but they're not foolproof.
News & Media
Among the 77 competent subjects who declined testing, 18 (23%) stated they were not interested in general, 15 (19%) did not perceive themselves to be at risk, 12 (16%) self-reported they were already HIV-infected (confirmed by medical record review), and 11 (14%) stated they were recently tested.
Science
Among the 54 competent subjects who declined testing, 27 (54%) stated they did not perceive themselves at risk, 10 (19%) declared they were already HIV-infected (all were confirmed by medical record review), and 8 (15%) stated they were too tired, fearful of testing, or experiencing withdrawal.
Science
This was a qualitative study in competent subjects without any intervention.
Science
This cross-sectional survey was carried out in competent subjects without any intervention.
In young immuno-competent subjects, sepsis onset is typically associated with hyperinflammation reflected by a strong and simultaneous release of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in the blood [1].
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing someone's abilities, use "competent subject" to emphasize their underlying capability and understanding, rather than just their performance.
Common error
Avoid using "competent subject" in overly casual conversations; consider simpler alternatives like "capable person" or "skilled individual" for a more natural tone.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "competent subject" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "competent" modifies the noun "subject". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, as it effectively describes someone who is capable or skilled.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "competent subject" describes an individual who possesses the necessary skills or knowledge. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI reports its usage is relatively rare. Predominantly found in science and news media contexts, it conveys a formal tone. When writing, consider simpler alternatives like "qualified individual" for broader appeal or "skilled participant" when emphasizing active involvement. Overusing "competent subject" can sound overly formal in casual settings.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
qualified individual
Focuses on formal qualifications rather than inherent ability.
skilled participant
Emphasizes practical skill and active involvement.
capable person
Highlights the general ability to perform tasks effectively.
proficient individual
Stresses a high level of skill and expertise.
able candidate
Implies suitability and potential for a specific role or task.
expert practitioner
Suggests extensive experience and mastery in a field.
knowledgeable person
Highlights the breadth and depth of understanding.
experienced professional
Focuses on professional experience and expertise.
adept individual
Suggests natural talent and skill.
accomplished expert
Emphasizes achievements and recognized expertise.
FAQs
How can I use "competent subject" in a sentence?
You can use "competent subject" to describe someone who possesses the necessary skills or knowledge for a particular task. For instance, "The polygraph results are remarkably accurate given a professional examiner and a "competent subject".
What phrases are similar to "competent subject"?
Alternatives include "qualified individual", "skilled participant", or "capable person" depending on the specific context.
Is "competent subject" formal or informal?
The phrase "competent subject" tends to lean towards formal or professional contexts, often appearing in scientific or technical discussions. Simpler terms might be preferred in casual settings.
What is the difference between "competent subject" and "expert"?
"Competent subject" suggests a basic level of skill and knowledge, while "expert" implies a much higher, more specialized level of mastery. A "skilled participant" might be competent, but not necessarily an expert.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested