Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
develop a proficiency
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "develop a proficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you want to suggest that someone needs to improve their skills or knowledge in a certain area. For example, you might say "I plan to develop a proficiency in Spanish by taking classes and practicing speaking with native speakers."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(19)
acquire expertise
gain competence
build expertise
cultivate mastery
enhance skill
improve ability
hone skills
sharpen skills
foster talent
develop a competence
develop a competency
develop a capacity
develop a skill
developing a proficiency
designing a proficiency
develop a skills
design a proficiency
developing a skill
building expertise
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
3 human-written examples
This project aimed to develop a proficiency testing scheme for the assessment of fingermark quality for researchers.
Science
Perhaps the most advanced training programs in focused ultrasonography have come from Emergency Medicine, where residents are recommended to develop a proficiency in 11 different ultrasound foci [9, 14].
Science
The QA/QC unit may also develop a proficiency test program for these laboratories specifically.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
The goal of the FRS development process was to develop a proficiency-based curriculum of basic technical skills that surgeons could be trained and assessed on to prepare them for performing robot-assisted surgical procedures across a wide range of specialties.
The purpose of this study was to develop a proficiency-based VR technical skills curriculum for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Science
The industries in which KKR has developed a specialization include: Chemicals Consumer products Energy & natural resources Financial services Health care Industrial Media and communications Retail Technology The professionals in each of KKR's industry-focused groups are expected to have developed a proficiency in the respective industry.
Wiki
"I think we are now developing, or on our way to developing, a proficiency in analytics that will require us to remember the importance of the wise-old owls, the experience of baseball scouts and I'll be continuing to remind them, 'More scouts, more scouts, more scouts,' and more of that kind of input because it does for sure require all of that kind of input," Kasten said.
News & Media
The aim of this article is to develop a structured, proficiency-based training program, with the facets of curricular design taken from a previously published framework of technical skills training, known as STATS (Systematic Training and Assessment in Technical Skills).
Through our academic training and personal research, we have each developed a strong proficiency in something.
Science & Research
The experience of developing a speaking proficiency scale for Chinese learners of English, however, has proved that constructors of a national framework would face great challenges in the way in which reference levels are described and scaled (see Yang et al. 2012).
Science
This study evaluates the content and predictive validity of robotic simulation curriculum as a first step toward developing a comprehensive, proficiency-based pathway.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a learning objective, use "develop a proficiency" to emphasize the importance of gaining practical skills and competence in a particular domain. For example: "The training program aims to help participants "develop a proficiency" in data analysis."
Common error
Ensure that when you use "develop a proficiency", you clearly specify the area of skill or knowledge you're referring to. For example, instead of saying 'develop a proficiency', specify 'develop a proficiency in project management' to provide clarity.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "develop a proficiency" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring expertise or skill in a particular area. It is commonly used to describe learning objectives or goals. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
42%
News & Media
33%
Wiki
12%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Encyclopedias
4%
Reference
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "develop a proficiency" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of gaining expertise or skill in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most commonly found in scientific, news, and general contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to specify the area of skill you're referring to for clarity. Alternatives such as "acquire expertise" or "gain competence" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensuring clear communication and focusing on specific areas of skill development will make the use of the phrase "develop a proficiency" both accurate and effective.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
acquire expertise
Focuses on gaining a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular field.
cultivate mastery
Implies a dedicated and careful approach to achieving a high level of skill.
gain competence
Emphasizes achieving a sufficient level of skill for a specific task or role.
build expertise
Focuses on gradually constructing a strong foundation of skill and knowledge.
enhance skill
Highlights improving an existing skill to a higher level.
improve ability
A broad term for making progress in a particular skill or area.
hone skills
Suggests refining and perfecting existing skills.
sharpen skills
Implies making skills more acute and effective.
advance capabilities
Suggests making significant progress in one's abilities.
foster talent
Focuses on nurturing and encouraging natural abilities to grow.
FAQs
How can I use "develop a proficiency" in a sentence?
You can use "develop a proficiency" to describe the process of gaining expertise or skill in a particular area. For example, "She wants to "develop a proficiency" in coding," or "The course is designed to help students "develop a proficiency" in public speaking."
What are some alternatives to "develop a proficiency"?
Some alternatives to "develop a proficiency" include "acquire expertise", "gain competence", or "build expertise". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "develop proficiency" or "develop a proficiency"?
Both "develop proficiency" and "develop a proficiency" are grammatically correct, but "develop a proficiency" is more common when referring to a specific skill or area. "Develop proficiency" is acceptable in more general contexts. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct.
What is the difference between "develop a proficiency" and "improve a skill"?
"Develop a proficiency" implies building a strong foundation and achieving a high level of competence, while "improve a skill" suggests enhancing an existing ability. Developing proficiency is a more comprehensive goal than simply improving a skill.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested