excels in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excels in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a high level of skill or proficiency in a particular area or subject. Example: "She excels in mathematics, consistently achieving top scores in her class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or, the opposite of the starter, Mark Sanchez, who excels in practice but founders during games.

The New York Times - Sports

It excels in cold conditions.

Independent

This app excels in security.

The New York Times - Tech

Smith excels in underneath zone coverage.

The New York Times

It excels in some investment-banking disciplines.

The Economist

It excels in cross-rhythms, syncopation.

The New York Times - Arts

The RLPO excels in both.

The Guardian - Music

PORTUGAL excels in deliciously rustic, straightforward cooking.

The New York Times - Travel

His film excels in its minimalism.

The Guardian - Film

Britain excels in fashion, music and drama.

The Guardian

The movie industry excels in selling dreams.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "excels in" to highlight a specific area where someone or something demonstrates superior skill or performance. Be specific about the area of excellence to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "excels in" without a specific context. Saying "She excels" is vague. Instead, specify the area: "She excels in leadership and communication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excels in" functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating a high degree of competence or skill within a particular domain. As Ludwig confirms, it's a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to highlight proficiency. For example, 'Mark Sanchez excels in practice'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excels in" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote a high level of skill or competence in a specific area. According to Ludwig, this phrase is a valid and commonly used way to emphasize proficiency. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When using "excels in", it's important to specify the area of expertise to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "is proficient in" or "is outstanding in" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, suitable for diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is proficient in

Focuses on competence and skill level.

is skilled at

Highlights the possession of a specific skill.

is adept at

Emphasizes natural ability and ease.

is outstanding in

Stresses exceptional performance.

is distinguished in

Implies recognition for superior quality.

is a master of

Suggests complete control and understanding.

shines in

Uses a metaphor to describe noticeable excellence.

thrives in

Indicates success and positive development within a particular area.

is strong in

Emphasizes a particular area of strength or capability.

is well-versed in

Focuses on having comprehensive knowledge and experience.

FAQs

How can I use "excels in" in a sentence?

Use "excels in" to describe someone or something that is very good at a particular activity or area. For example, "She "is proficient in" mathematics" or "This app "is outstanding in" security".

What are some synonyms for "excels in"?

Alternatives to "excels in" include phrases like "is skilled at", "is adept at", "is distinguished in", or "shines in". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "excels at" or "excels in"?

"Excels in" is more common when referring to a field, subject, or general area of expertise, whereas "excels at" is often used for specific tasks or activities. Both are grammatically correct, but their usage varies slightly depending on context.

What's the difference between "excels in" and "is good at"?

"Excels in" indicates a higher level of proficiency and expertise compared to "is good at". While "is good at" suggests competence, "excels in" implies exceptional ability and performance. Use "is good at" for general skills and "excels in" to denote mastery.