dexterity in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dexterity in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe skill or proficiency in a particular area or activity. Example: "Her dexterity in playing the piano impressed everyone at the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every monk needs some manual skill dexterity in designing ritual objects".

The New York Times

In sheer dexterity, in balletic grace, in superhuman relaxation, he was a performer in a million.

The Guardian - Books

The transplant recipient exhibited more dexterity in threading that needle than I can muster most days.

The New Yorker

(He also employs his haunted-house dexterity in a formidable sequence with a giant spider).

The New York Times

Even The Times of London remarked upon his "impudence" and "dexterity in the strategems of war".

The New York Times

But he learned from being around Pocock, learned about body height, targeted strength, dexterity in the maelstrom.

The Guardian - Sport

"La Follia" afforded brief inklings of her extraordinary dexterity in pirouettes, and she showed different facets in each.

The New York Times - Arts

In the first half, Pennington's flair was impossible to ignore, the zip on his passes, his dexterity in the pocket.

The New York Times - Sports

Mitt Romney displayed a similar dexterity in the Northeast precincts where Mr. Christie has fashioned a career.

The New York Times

But Ms. Kemble seemed confident about her talent broker, praising Mr. Granet's "great dexterity" in handling "epic egos".

The New York Times

"We might look at creating gloves that that mimic age-related issues with dexterity in future versions of the suit," Jennifer Rosenbaum, a Genworth representative tells me later.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's physical ability, consider using "dexterity in" to convey a sense of skillful and coordinated movement, such as "dexterity in handling surgical instruments".

Common error

Avoid using "dexterity in" to describe purely intellectual skills. While it can sometimes apply to mental agility, it's primarily suited for describing physical coordination and skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dexterity in" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a preposition. It typically describes a quality or skill level related to physical coordination, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Arts

4%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dexterity in" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe skill and coordination, especially in physical tasks. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like ""skill in"" and ""proficiency in"" exist, "dexterity in" specifically highlights the element of coordinated movement. Be mindful of its primary association with physical abilities to avoid misuse in purely intellectual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skill in

Focuses solely on the level of competence, omitting the nuance of agility or grace implied by dexterity.

proficiency in

Emphasizes competence and mastery, rather than the nimble quality suggested by dexterity.

expertise in

Highlights specialized knowledge and skill, potentially excluding more general applications of dexterity.

adeptness at

Shifts the preposition and emphasizes a general ability to perform well.

facility with

Indicates ease and fluency in handling something, differing slightly from pure skill.

competence in

Suggests a basic level of ability rather than a refined skill.

mastery of

Implies a high degree of control and understanding, exceeding the scope of mere dexterity.

aptitude for

Highlights a natural talent or inclination, rather than acquired skill.

artistry in

Elevates skill to a level of creative expression, not always applicable to dexterity.

finesse in

Captures the element of refinement and delicacy, but may not always imply skill in the same way.

FAQs

How can "dexterity in" be used in a sentence?

"Dexterity in" is used to describe skill or proficiency, particularly involving physical coordination. For example, "The surgeon's "dexterity in" performing the delicate procedure was remarkable."

What are some alternatives to "dexterity in"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to ""dexterity in"" include "skill in", "proficiency in", or "expertise in".

Is it correct to use "dexterity in" to describe mental skills?

While ""dexterity in"" primarily refers to physical skills, it can sometimes be used metaphorically for mental agility. However, alternatives like "skill in" or "aptitude for" might be more appropriate for purely mental abilities.

What's the difference between "dexterity in" and "skill in"?

"Dexterity in" often implies a combination of skill, precision, and coordination, particularly with physical movements. "Skill in" is a broader term that encompasses any acquired competence, whether physical or mental.