excel in something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excel in something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's exceptional skill or proficiency in a particular area or subject. Example: "She tends to excel in mathematics, consistently achieving top scores in her class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

If football doesn't work out for him, he will excel in something.

The New York Times - Sports

You need real talent and skills to excel in something you feel passionate about.

Stanford University

I'm a firm believer that in order to excel in something, you must be passionate about it.

Cornell University

"Someone who has an idea about expanded consciousness and such" things, he said in the interview, using an unprintable descriptor for those things, "can excel in something that is perceived to be as shallow as this".

The New York Times - Arts

"I know someday I'll really excel in something," Monica said.

Los Angeles Times

These shop owners provided a place for us to excel in something that the mainstream didn't necessarily approve of". The Z-boys eventually went their separate ways.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Everybody at Stanford excels in something - whether it's business or arts or music, you name it, everybody has something special and he liked that.

BBC

Find something to really excel at, or work on excelling in something you already love.

WikiHow

Nothing will make you feel better than excelling in something that you've committed to.

WikiHow

This is the perfect time to excel at something in cheerleading you don't have completely down pat.

WikiHow

And what better way to spend that time than in something humans excel at (over computers) -- the analysis of the data and improvisation and creativity that people are simply best-suited for.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excel in something", ensure that the 'something' is clearly defined and relevant to the context. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "excel in something" when the subject is too broad or undefined. Instead, specify the area of expertise to give the statement more weight and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excel in something" functions as a verb phrase indicating a high level of competence or achievement in a specific area. As Ludwig AI explains, it is usable in written English when describing someone's exceptional skill or proficiency in a particular area.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excel in something" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, denoting exceptional skill or proficiency in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Although its frequency is classified as uncommon, its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and general discourse. The phrase is suitable for neutral to slightly formal settings. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define the 'something' to avoid vagueness and enhance the statement's impact. Alternatives like "succeed in a field" or "thrive in a subject" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be proficient in a skill

Stresses competence and mastery of a particular skill.

be adept at a task

Implies skill and efficiency in performing a specific task.

do well in a pursuit

Highlights the ability to do something with excellence.

succeed in a field

Focuses on overall success rather than exceptional performance.

have mastery over something

Highlights a comprehensive understanding and control.

thrive in a subject

Emphasizes growth and flourishing within a particular area of study.

stand out in something

Highlights the act of being noticeably better than others.

shine in an area

Highlights exceptional brilliance and performance in a specific domain.

be remarkable in a discipline

Implies exceptional achievement and distinction in a specific field of study.

achieve excellence in an endeavor

Focuses on attaining a high standard of performance in a particular undertaking.

FAQs

How can I use "excel in something" in a sentence?

You can use "excel in something" to describe someone's exceptional skill or proficiency in a particular area. For example, "She tends to "excel in mathematics", consistently achieving top scores in her class".

What are some alternatives to "excel in something"?

Alternatives include phrases like "succeed in a field", "thrive in a subject", or "shine in an area", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "excel at something" or "excel in something"?

While both are grammatically correct, "excel in something" is generally used when referring to a broader field or subject, whereas "excel at something" is used for a specific skill or task. However, their usage is often interchangeable.

What does it mean to "excel in something"?

To "excel in something" means to be exceptionally good or proficient in a particular field, activity, or area of expertise. It implies a high level of competence and achievement.