good at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's proficiency or skill in a particular area or activity. Example: "She is really good at solving complex mathematical problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's good at everything".

The New York Times

He's good at that.

The Economist

I'm good at... Surfing.

Independent

No good at all!

The New Yorker

"I'm good at that.

The New Yorker

"Very good at tennis.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm good at... Dancing.

Independent

I'm good at it.

The New Yorker

Not good at all.

The New York Times

I'm good at... Dodging.

Independent

REUTERS Good at Chess?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good at" to describe someone's strengths or capabilities in specific areas, providing clarity and context for the skill being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "good at" without specifying what the person is skilled in. Vague statements like "He's good at things" lack impact. Instead, specify the skill: "He's good at coding".

Linguistic Context

"Good at" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating proficiency or skill in a specific activity or area. Ludwig examples show a wide range of applications, from being "good at surfing" to being "good at multitasking".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "good at" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote proficiency or skill in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly used in news, media and wiki contexts. While "good at" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal settings, consider more formal alternatives like "proficient in" for academic or professional writing. Remember to specify the skill to avoid vague statements. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately convey someone's abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proficient in

Focuses on skill level in a more formal context.

skilled at

Highlights acquired expertise.

adept at

Implies natural talent or quick learning ability.

talented in

Emphasizes innate ability.

excels at

Suggests a very high level of performance.

capable of

Indicates having the ability or qualities necessary to do something.

competent in

Suggests an acceptable and satisfactory level of skill.

strong in

Emphasizes particular areas of aptitude.

has a knack for

Implies natural talent and ease in doing something.

knows their stuff

A more informal expression for being skilled or knowledgeable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "good at" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "proficient in", "skilled in", or "adept at", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Good at" generally suggests competence or skill acquired through practice or learning. "Talented in", on the other hand, implies a natural, innate ability.

Is it correct to say "good at to" followed by a verb?

No, the correct structure is "good at + gerund (verb + -ing)". For example, "She's good at singing", not "She's good at to sing".

Which prepositions can I use after "good" besides "at"?

While "good at" is the most common, you can also use "good in" to refer to general areas or subjects, like "He's good in math". However, "good at" is generally preferred for specific skills or activities.