excelled at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excelled at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has performed exceptionally well in a particular skill or activity. Example: "She excelled at mathematics, consistently achieving top scores in her class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She excelled at suffering.

Independent

Tanny excelled at this.

The New York Times

Haider excelled at school.

The Guardian

You excelled at both.

The Guardian

Analysts said Watson excelled at this tactic.

The New York Times

* Excelled at badminton as a youngster.

Independent

But Hoving excelled at self-contradiction.

The New Yorker

That was what Mel excelled at.

Independent

"The March of Time" excelled at that.

The New York Times

She excelled at befriending strangers.

The New York Times - Style

He excelled at all three.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's strengths, "excelled at" is a strong and positive phrase. Ensure the context supports the exceptional level of performance it implies.

Common error

Avoid using "excelled at" with vague or undefined subjects. Instead of saying "He excelled at life", specify "He "excelled at" problem-solving" or "He "excelled at" interpersonal relationships".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excelled at" serves as a descriptive phrase, indicating a high level of proficiency or skill in a particular activity or subject. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is used to highlight areas where someone or something has performed exceptionally well. It functions as a verb phrase complemented by a preposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excelled at" is a versatile and widely used phrase that denotes exceptional skill or performance in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. To use it effectively, specify the area of expertise and ensure the context supports the implied high level of achievement. Remember that while "excelled in" is a possible alternative, "excelled at" is generally preferred. Consider using alternatives like "was proficient in" or "was outstanding in" to subtly shift the emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately convey exceptional abilities using "excelled at".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was outstanding in

Highlights exceptional quality or performance compared to others.

was skilled in

Highlights a learned ability or expertise.

was remarkable in

Emphasizes the noteworthy or impressive nature of the achievement.

was adept in

Emphasizes a natural talent or skill.

was accomplished in

Suggests a high level of training and expertise.

was proficient in

Focuses on competence and skill level rather than outstanding achievement.

shined in

Suggests exceptional performance, often in a competitive setting.

was brilliant at

Emphasizes intelligence and ingenuity in performance.

mastered

Implies a comprehensive understanding and control over a subject or skill.

thrived in

Indicates success and growth in a particular environment or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "excelled at" in a sentence?

Use "excelled at" to describe someone's exceptional performance or skill in a particular area. For example, "She "excelled at mathematics"" or "He "excelled at public speaking"".

What are some alternatives to "excelled at"?

Alternatives include "was proficient in", "was adept in", or "was outstanding in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "excelled in" a suitable alternative to "excelled at"?

While "excelled in" is grammatically correct, "excelled at" is more commonly used and generally preferred when referring to specific skills or activities. For broader subjects, "excelled in" might be more appropriate.

Which is more appropriate, "excelled at" or "good at"?

"Excelled at" indicates a higher level of skill and achievement compared to "good at". Use "excelled at" when you want to emphasize exceptional performance, while "good at" is suitable for general competence.