demonstrates proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demonstrates proficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's skill level or expertise in a particular area or subject. Example: "Her project clearly demonstrates proficiency in advanced data analysis techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The student demonstrates proficiency in the major field by passing comprehensive written examinations.

Columbia University

Credit for courses taken is contingent upon the submission of a work that demonstrates proficiency in the skills taught in the course.

Yale University

He demonstrates proficiency in Christian writings, and in addition, he recognizes the internal tension within Christianity between the papacy and the Roman Empire.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But only 29percentt of blacks demonstrated proficiency, and since California schools were required to raise the proportion of proficient students in every group from 24percentto35percentcenthis yearar, that was not good enough.

The New York Times

In math, 67.3percentt demonstrated proficiency, up from 68.5percentt.

The New York Times

Columbia students must demonstrate proficiency in French.

Columbia University

More than 90percentt of fourth graders demonstrated proficiency on 2007 reading and math tests.

The New York Times

Students will demonstrate proficiency in applying systems thinking modeling techniques.

Cornell University

d. demonstrate proficiency with biological imaging using microscopes and cameras.

Cornell University

All international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Cornell University

e. demonstrate proficiency with image processing using Image software.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "demonstrates proficiency", specify the area in which proficiency is shown to provide context and clarity. For example, "demonstrates proficiency in data analysis" is more informative than just "demonstrates proficiency".

Common error

While "demonstrates proficiency" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "is good at" or "excels in" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demonstrates proficiency" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject possesses and exhibits a particular skill or competence. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

60%

News & Media

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "demonstrates proficiency" is a grammatically sound and functional expression used to highlight competence or skill in a particular area. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in academic and news contexts. Related phrases include "exhibits competence" and "shows expertise", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. When using this phrase, specify the area of proficiency to provide context, and be mindful of the register, opting for simpler alternatives in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is proficient in

A more direct and simpler way of expressing the same idea, using a prepositional phrase.

exhibits competence

Replaces "demonstrates" with "exhibits" and "proficiency" with "competence", focusing on observed ability.

displays mastery

Emphasizes a high level of skill, replacing "proficiency" with "mastery".

shows expertise

Uses "expertise" to highlight specialized knowledge and skill.

manifests skill

Formal alternative, using "manifests" to indicate clear evidence of skill.

possesses competence

Focuses on the inherent ability rather than the act of demonstrating it.

is adept at

Shifts the structure to an adjective phrase, highlighting skill in a specific area.

excels in

Indicates a superior level of performance, stronger than basic proficiency.

performs skillfully

Changes the focus to the action of performing, emphasizing the skillful execution.

achieves competence

Highlights the attainment of competence as a result of effort or training.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "demonstrates proficiency"?

You can use alternatives like "exhibits competence", "displays mastery", or "shows expertise" depending on the context.

How do I use "demonstrates proficiency" in a sentence?

Typically, you would use it to describe someone's skill or ability. For example: "The student demonstrates proficiency in programming".

Is it better to say "demonstrates proficiency in" or "demonstrates proficiency at"?

"Demonstrates proficiency in" is generally preferred, although "demonstrates proficiency at" can also be correct depending on the specific context. "In" is more commonly used when referring to a subject or area, while "at" is often used for specific tasks.

What's the difference between "demonstrates proficiency" and "has proficiency"?

"Demonstrates proficiency" implies that the skill is actively shown or proven, whereas "has proficiency" simply indicates possession of the skill without necessarily showing it. "Demonstrates" suggests evidence, while "has" indicates a state of being.