he is adept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is adept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is highly skilled or proficient in a particular area or activity. Example: "He is adept at solving complex mathematical problems quickly and efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He is adept at schmoozing airline bosses and Pentagon colonels.

The Economist

But he is adept at winning over artists.

The New Yorker

He is adept at all phases of the game and really has no weaknesses.

The New York Times

He is adept at tucking the ball away after the catch, and he has strong hands.

The New York Times

But he has already proved that he is adept with the cutter.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, he is adept at using the judicial system to his advantage.

The New Yorker

He is adept at the theatre of being president—striking a balance between pomp and affability.

The Economist

He is adept at drawing aesthetic lessons and design ideas from the untutored workings of nature.

The New York Times - Books

A veteran of dissent, he is adept at handling the passionate disagreements that films can provoke.

The New York Times

Bacon is clever, he does his research and he is adept at dealing with pugnacious wombles.

The Guardian

Despite Teixeira's exasperating at-bats, he is adept and aggressive at first.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is adept" to describe someone's specific skills or talents, especially when highlighting their efficiency and finesse in a particular area. For instance, "He is adept at navigating complex negotiations."

Common error

Avoid using "he is adept" in overly general statements where the specific skill is unclear. For example, instead of saying "He is adept", specify the area where he excels: "He is adept at project management."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is adept" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a subject pronoun. It typically introduces a clause that specifies the area in which the subject demonstrates skill or proficiency. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is adept" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe someone's skill or proficiency. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, although most commonly found in news and media. While alternatives like "he is skilled" or "he is proficient" offer similar meanings, "he is adept" carries a slightly more sophisticated tone. When using this phrase, ensure the specific skill or area of expertise is clear to avoid vagueness. The analysis by Ludwig provides detailed insights into the phrase's usage, register, and common contexts, aiding in its effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is skilled

This alternative replaces "adept" with a more common synonym, focusing on general skill.

he is proficient

This alternative substitutes "adept" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing competence.

he is highly skilled

This phrase is a more emphatic way of saying "he is skilled".

he excels at

This alternative implies a high level of performance.

he is talented

This alternative highlights innate ability rather than learned skill.

he is masterful

This option denotes a very high level of skill and control.

he is competent

This option emphasizes the ability to perform tasks adequately.

he is capable

This alternative indicates the general ability to do something.

he is experienced

This alternative emphasizes knowledge gained over time.

he has a knack for

This phrase suggests a natural talent or inclination.

FAQs

What does "he is adept" mean?

The phrase "he is adept" means he is very skilled or proficient at something.

What can I say instead of "he is adept"?

You can use alternatives like "he is skilled", "he is proficient", or "he excels at depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "he is adept in" or "he is adept at"?

While both can be used, "he is adept at" is more common and natural-sounding when referring to a skill or activity.

How formal is the phrase "he is adept"?

The phrase "he is adept" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both professional and general writing contexts.