competent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competent to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate someone's ability or qualification to perform a specific task or role. Example: "She is competent to lead the project due to her extensive experience in management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"He looks competent to me".

The New Yorker

Is Mr. Holmes competent to stand trial?

The New York Times

The writing ranges from competent to incomprehensible.

The New York Times - Books

Similarly, it has to be competent to be credible.

The Guardian

SERVICE Teeters from competent to offhand and indifferent.

The New York Times

They've proven very competent to do their jobs".

The New York Times

"I am not sure I am competent to do that.

The New York Times

"That's not really a question I feel competent to answer.

The New Yorker

Maggie accommodates and schedules, competent to a fault.

The Guardian - Film

But I am not competent to criticise the show.

The Guardian

"The issue becomes, was he competent to form an intent?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "competent to", ensure the context clearly specifies the task or area in which the subject is competent. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "competent to" without specifying what the person or entity is competent to do. For example, instead of saying "He is competent", specify "He is competent to manage the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competent to" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun. It asserts that the subject possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, or abilities to perform a specific task or fulfill a particular role effectively. Ludwig AI confirms this with its real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "competent to" is a versatile and frequently used expression, particularly in news and media, to denote the capability and qualification of an individual or entity to perform a specific task. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While alternatives like "qualified to" or "capable of" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the context in which the subject is competent to avoid ambiguity. Remember, this phrase should appear professional and neutral, depending on the source material.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualified to

Emphasizes formal qualifications or meeting specific requirements.

capable of

Focuses on inherent ability or potential to perform a task.

able to

Highlights the general ability to do something.

proficient in

Indicates a high degree of skill or expertise.

skilled at

Stresses specific skills related to a particular activity.

adept at

Implies a natural talent or quickness in performing something.

equipped to

Highlights the possession of necessary resources or training.

authorized to

Emphasizes official permission or legal right to perform a task.

fit for

Suggests suitability or appropriateness for a role or task.

up to

Implies meeting the required standard or level of ability.

FAQs

What does "competent to" mean?

The phrase "competent to" means having the necessary ability, skill, knowledge, or qualification to do something successfully. It indicates that someone is capable and prepared to perform a specific task or fulfill a particular role effectively.

What are some alternatives to "competent to"?

You can use alternatives like "qualified to", "capable of", or "able to" depending on the context. Each alternative has slightly different nuances in meaning.

How is "competent to" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "competent to" often refers to someone's mental capacity to understand legal proceedings or make decisions. For instance, a defendant might be evaluated to determine if they are "competent to" stand trial.

Is it correct to say "competent at" instead of "competent to"?

While "competent at" is also a valid construction, "competent to" is typically used when referring to someone's ability to perform a specific action or fulfill a specific role. "Competent at" generally refers to a skill or area of expertise, such as "competent at mathematics".