exceptional at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone’s outstanding ability or skill in a particular area or activity. Example: "She is exceptional at solving complex mathematical problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Roasted langoustines had better be exceptional at $19 apiece.

The New York Times - Food

It's not about the money so much as people feeling you're exceptional at something, and then it becomes that you're exceptional at everything.

The New Yorker

What George is exceptional at is the rate at which he learns".

Independent

You won't be exceptional at all, despite the promises of TV, video games and your parents.

The New York Times - Books

Mendelsohn is exceptional at not only playing scuzzballs but giving them life.

The Guardian - Film

We're already exceptional at this when it comes to college sports.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because of being exceptional at something, they each question their own capacity to love in that storybook way.

The New York Times

The team is exceptional at amassing large leads, but when it fails to do so, it becomes intensely vulnerable.

The New Yorker

"The way he does those things that aren't that sexy – that's where he's exceptional at the moment," he said.

Independent

Games are exceptional at teaching players a set of interactive skills and then challenging them to improve.

The New York Times - Arts

He was born in Spain and spent eight years in Portugal and is exceptional at lots of cuisines.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptional at" to specifically highlight someone's superior ability in a particular field or activity. This conveys a strong sense of competence and mastery.

Common error

Avoid substituting other prepositions for "at" without careful consideration. While "in" or "with" might sometimes work, "at" is the standard choice when describing skill in a specific activity or area of expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional at" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe a high degree of skill or ability. Ludwig AI confirms its usage and provides numerous examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exceptional at" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's superior skill or ability in a particular area. As demonstrated by numerous examples in Ludwig, it is frequently used in news, scientific, and business contexts. While synonyms like "remarkable at" or "superb at" exist, "exceptional at" provides a clear and effective way to highlight expertise. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English and emphasizes a high level of competence and mastery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable at

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of the ability.

superb at

Highlights the outstanding quality of the skill.

excellent at

Focuses on the very high quality of performance.

proficient in

Indicates competence and skill in a specific area.

adept in

Highlights skill and dexterity in a specific area.

accomplished in

Suggests a high level of training and achievement.

skilled in

Indicates a general level of competence.

talented in

Suggests natural aptitude.

masterful in

Highlights exceptional skill and control.

outstanding in

Focuses on the superior quality of performance or ability.

FAQs

How do you use "exceptional at" in a sentence?

Use "exceptional at" to describe someone's superior skill or ability in a particular activity. For example, "She is "exceptional at solving" complex problems".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "exceptional at"?

You can use phrases like "remarkable at", "superb at", or "outstanding in" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

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

While "exceptional in" can sometimes be used, "exceptional at" is generally more common and appropriate when referring to a specific skill or activity. "Exceptional in" might be better suited for broader qualities or areas.

What is the difference between being "exceptional at" something and being "good at" something?

Being "exceptional at" something implies a much higher level of skill and mastery compared to simply being "good at" it. "Exceptional at" suggests a degree of talent and proficiency that surpasses ordinary competence.