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
developing a proficiency
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"developing a proficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process of acquiring a skill or to mention a specific area of expertise. For example: "My ultimate goal is to become a software engineer, so I'm dedicating my time to developing a proficiency in coding."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(18)
acquiring expertise
cultivating competence
honing skills
enhancing expertise
gaining adeptness
attaining skillfulness
developing a capacity
developing a capability
developing a skill
developing a qualification
designing a proficiency
developing a knowledge
design a proficiency
designed a proficiency
developing a skills
develop a proficiency
developing a competency
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
1 human-written examples
"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
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 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 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
The QA/QC unit may also develop a proficiency test program for these laboratories specifically.
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 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.
Through our academic training and personal research, we have each developed a strong proficiency in something.
Science & Research
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).
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a specific skill, follow "developing a proficiency" with 'in' or 'with' and the area of expertise (e.g., "developing a proficiency in data analysis").
Common error
While grammatically sound, "developing a proficiency" can sound stiff. In less formal writing, consider using more direct alternatives like "improving your skills" or "getting better at."
Source & Trust
76%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "developing a proficiency" functions as a verbal phrase describing the process of acquiring or improving a skill. It is used to indicate that someone is in the process of gaining competence or expertise in a specific area, as confirmed by Ludwig.
Frequent in
Science
38%
News & Media
23%
Wiki
12%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Formal & Business
1%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "developing a proficiency" describes the active process of enhancing skills and expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, though it leans towards the neutral to formal side. When you want to convey the ongoing effort to gain competence in an area, this phrase works well. While it is not particularly common, it appears in respectable sources and is fit for academic, news, and professional environments. Remember to follow it with 'in' or 'with' to specify the skill being developed, and consider more direct alternatives for informal writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
acquiring expertise
Focuses on gaining a high level of skill or knowledge.
enhancing expertise
Focuses on improving one's knowledge and skill in a particular area.
cultivating competence
Emphasizes nurturing and growing one's abilities.
gaining adeptness
Highlights becoming skilled and nimble.
honing skills
Highlights refining and sharpening existing abilities.
attaining skillfulness
Highlights achieving a state of being very skilled.
improving capabilities
Focuses on enhancing overall abilities.
building mastery
Stresses achieving a high level of control and understanding.
advancing skills
Emphasizes progressing and improving existing skills.
fostering talent
Implies nurturing an innate aptitude.
FAQs
How can I use "developing a proficiency" in a sentence?
You can use "developing a proficiency" to describe the process of gaining skill or expertise in a particular area. For example, "She is focused on "developing a proficiency" in data science."
What are some alternatives to "developing a proficiency"?
Alternatives include "acquiring expertise", "cultivating competence", or "honing skills". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is it better to say "develop proficiency" or "developing a proficiency"?
Both are correct, but "develop proficiency" is more general, referring to the overall act of gaining skill. "Developing a proficiency" implies an ongoing process or a specific instance of skill development.
What's the difference between "developing a skill" and "developing a proficiency"?
"Developing a skill" is a broader term that can refer to any ability, while ""developing a proficiency"" suggests a higher level of competence and expertise.
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
76%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested