great at

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He's great at everything.

The New York Times

"I'm not great at babysitting.

Independent

"We're great at selling products.

The New York Times

And he's great at it.

The New Yorker

Bonansinga: Robert's great at cliffhangers.

The New York Times

He'd be great at that.

Independent

"He's absolutely great at that.

The New York Times - Sports

Benjamin is great at it".

The New York Times

Americans are great at believing".

The New York Times

He was great at that.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Just a great at-bat".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great at", ensure that the skill or activity being referenced is clearly defined. This provides context and avoids ambiguity, making your writing more precise and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "great at" without specifying what someone excels in. For example, instead of saying "He's great at things", clarify with "He's great at problem-solving and strategic planning" to provide specific details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great at" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high level of skill or competence. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses proficiency in a particular area or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great at" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote a high level of skill or proficiency. As Ludwig AI points out, it's frequently used in diverse contexts like news, media, and everyday conversations. Its semantic similarity to alternatives such as "skilled at", "adept at", and "proficient in" provides versatility in expression. The key to effective use is to ensure clarity in specifying the skill or activity. Avoiding vague references will significantly enhance the impact and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adept at

Focuses on skill and dexterity, suggesting a natural talent.

skilled at

Emphasizes learned ability and expertise.

proficient in

Highlights competence and mastery of a subject or skill.

talented in

Suggests a natural aptitude or gift for something.

accomplished in

Indicates a high level of achievement and expertise.

expert in

Implies specialized knowledge and authority in a field.

masterful in

Conveys exceptional skill and control.

capable of

Highlights the ability to perform a task effectively.

strong in

Indicates a particular area of competence or advantage.

excels in

Emphasizes a superior level of performance or achievement.

FAQs

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

Use "great at" to describe someone's skill or proficiency in a particular area. For example, "She is great at public speaking", or "He's great at coding".

What phrases can I use instead of "great at"?

Alternatives to "great at" include "skilled at", "proficient in", or "adept at", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "good at" instead of "great at"?

Yes, "good at" is also correct, but "great at" implies a higher level of skill or expertise. The choice depends on the degree of proficiency you want to convey. Consider using "excellent at" for an even stronger emphasis.

What is the difference between "great at" and "great in"?

"Great at" is used to describe skill or proficiency in an activity, while "great in" is used to describe performance or success within a specific context or role. For instance, "She's great at playing the piano", versus "He was great in the role of Hamlet".