excelling at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excelling at" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone’s high level of skill or performance in a particular area or activity. Example: She is excelling at her studies this semester. Alternative expressions include "being proficient in" and "mastering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He's not excelling at anything.

The New York Times

They are excelling at their studies, often against great odds.

The New York Times

Secretary Clinton is more natural, even down-to-earth, excelling at personal relations with world leaders.

The New York Times

The sight of computers excelling at play as well as at work is unsettling.

The New Yorker

Yould said that she took refuge from the abuse by excelling at school.

The New Yorker

Quintanilla, a career.220 hitter, was excelling at the plate at Class AAA.

The New York Times - Sports

Many modern chips are generalists; competent at any task but excelling at nothing.

The Economist

Everything from being polite to excelling at Shakespeare is noted and rewarded with points.

The Guardian

Frustrated, in one episode, at not excelling at anything, she discovers a talent for rhythmic gymnastics.

The New York Times

There were bright spots: like excelling at drama, but that brought little kudos (quite the reverse).

The Guardian

There's still a sense of obedience in her playing, a sense of excelling at the rules.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excelling at", ensure the context clearly defines the area or activity in which someone is performing exceptionally well. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "excelling at" with overly broad or undefined subjects. For example, instead of "excelling at life", specify "excelling at balancing work and personal life".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excelling at" functions as a descriptive phrase used to indicate a high degree of competence or skill in a specific area or activity. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excelling at" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's exceptional performance or skill in a specific area. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions descriptively, highlighting outstanding achievement across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "excelling at", specify the area of expertise to enhance clarity, and avoid vague subjects. Alternatives include "being proficient in" or "mastering", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performing exceptionally well in

A more formal and detailed way of expressing high performance.

being proficient in

Focuses on the state of being skilled rather than the action of excelling.

demonstrating expertise in

Highlights the display of specialized knowledge.

exceeding expectations in

Focuses on surpassing anticipated levels of performance.

mastering

Implies a complete understanding and control.

distinguishing oneself in

Highlights standing out from others through exceptional skills.

showing aptitude for

Emphasizes a natural talent or ability.

shining in

Uses a more figurative expression for outstanding performance.

flourishing in

Suggests a thriving or successful development.

thriving in

Similar to flourishing but with a slightly stronger emphasis on growth.

FAQs

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

Use "excelling at" to describe someone's high level of skill or performance in a particular area. For example, "She is "excelling at her studies" this semester".

What are some alternatives to "excelling at"?

You can use alternatives like "being proficient in", "demonstrating expertise in", or "mastering" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "excelling in" instead of "excelling at"?

While "excelling in" can sometimes be used, "excelling at" is generally preferred when referring to a specific activity or skill. "Excelling in" is more common when referring to a field of study or a broader area.

What's the difference between "excelling at" and "good at"?

"Excelling at" implies a higher level of skill and achievement than simply being "good at". It suggests exceptional performance and mastery.