fluent in several languages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fluent in several languages" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a high level of proficiency in multiple languages. Example: "She is fluent in several languages, which makes her an asset in international business negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Fluent in several languages, Dr. Sanchez made a point of tending to patients from abroad.

The New York Times

Fluent in several languages, he knows how to conduct himself in most every place.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tussy, black-eyed and ardent, is a prodigy, fluent in several languages, an imperious youngest child.

The Guardian - Books

Despite having had only one year of formal schooling, Nobel was fluent in several languages.

The Guardian - Books

I don't have a language of my own, though I am fluent in several languages.

The New York Times

Fluent in several languages and equipped with a formidable memory, Dr. Gasman redefined Picasso studies.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

She and her longtime musical partner, the bassist Jay Leonhart, are fluent in several musical languages, from semiclassical to bebop.

The New York Times - Arts

He has a string of convictions for heroin dealing from his youth onwards and used his time in prison to become fluent in several European languages and earn a number of university degrees.

The Guardian

Wellek had training in classical literature and was fluent in several European languages, both Romance and Slavic.

Wikipedia

Most of the 225 members are fluent, and many speak several languages.

The New Yorker

A fellow work colleague has lived in several countries and is fluent in three languages, but her family is originally from yet another country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's language skills, specify the languages if relevant to the context. For example, instead of saying "fluent in several languages", you could say "fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating someone's language abilities. If someone has a basic understanding, it's more accurate to say "familiar with" or "some knowledge of" rather than "fluent in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fluent in several languages" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun (usually a person's name or a pronoun). According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It typically describes a person's skill or ability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fluent in several languages" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's proficiency in multiple languages. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, consider specifying the languages if relevant and avoid overstating the level of fluency. Alternatives such as "proficient in multiple languages" or "multilingual" can also be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "fluent in several languages" is a valuable and versatile phrase for describing multilingual individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Proficient in multiple languages

Replaces "fluent" with "proficient" and "several" with "multiple", emphasizing skill level in more than one language.

Speaks several languages fluently

Inverts the structure to emphasize the act of speaking with fluency.

Multilingual

A concise term indicating the ability to speak multiple languages.

Polyglot

Another concise term, often used for someone with exceptional fluency in many languages.

Knows several languages well

Simple and direct alternative, focusing on knowledge and proficiency.

Conversant in various languages

Uses "conversant" to suggest a comfortable level of ability and "various" to indicate more than one.

Has a command of several languages

Highlights mastery and control over multiple languages.

Well-versed in numerous languages

Emphasizes broad knowledge and skill in many languages, using "well-versed" and "numerous".

Language expert in multiple domains

Emphasizes expertise in multiple languages.

Skilled in diverse linguistic forms

Uses an even more formal tone. Changes 'languages' for 'linguistic forms'.

FAQs

How can I describe language proficiency instead of "fluent in several languages"?

You can use phrases like "proficient in multiple languages", "multilingual", or "polyglot depending on the context.

Is it better to specify the languages someone speaks instead of saying "fluent in several languages"?

Yes, specifying the languages (e.g., "fluent in Spanish, French, and German") provides more clarity and is preferable when the specific languages are relevant.

What's the difference between "fluent in several languages" and "conversant in various languages"?

"Fluent" implies a high level of proficiency, while "conversant in various languages" suggests a comfortable ability to hold conversations but not necessarily complete mastery.

When is it appropriate to use "fluent in several languages"?

Use "fluent in several languages" when you want to highlight someone's high-level proficiency in multiple languages without specifying each one. It's suitable when the number of languages is more important than the specific languages themselves.