he was skilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was skilled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular area or skill. Example: "In his previous job, he was skilled at managing complex projects and leading teams effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

And he was skilled at his job.

Harvard Business Review

He was skilled at developing the best in people.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He was skilled enough to be worth a quick look, but replaceable enough to let go.

The New York Times - Sports

He suggested he was skilled at understanding women and nonverbal cues signalling sexual consent.

The Guardian

The delicate balancing of flavors, in which he was skilled, is missing.

The New York Times

Former aides say he was skilled at cultivating reporters, studying their interests and then catering to them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

He is skilled at doing so.

The Guardian

He's skilled at martial arts but rarely fights.

The New York Times

Since he's skilled and flexible, there's a whiff of unpredictability to Wiki's rapping.

The New York Times - Arts

A native English-speaker (he was born in America), he is skilled at international networking.

The Economist

In part because he can't read, he's skilled at picking up on subtle clues.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was skilled", follow it with a prepositional phrase specifying the area of expertise (e.g., "he was skilled in negotiation").

Common error

Avoid using "he was skilled" without providing context or examples of his abilities. Specify what he was skilled at or in to provide a clearer picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was skilled" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It attributes a quality (skill) to a male subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and conveys proficiency. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe expertise in various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was skilled" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote proficiency or expertise. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, and examples demonstrate its application across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. To enhance clarity, it is best practice to specify the area of skill with a prepositional phrase. Related alternatives include "he was proficient" and "he was adept", offering nuanced ways to convey competence. While versatile, this phrase maintains a neutral register and is suitable for a wide array of communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was proficient

Replaces "skilled" with a synonym emphasizing competence.

he was adept

Replaces "skilled" with a synonym highlighting natural ability or expertise.

he was talented

Replaces "skilled" with a synonym suggesting innate ability.

he was accomplished

Suggests a higher degree of skill and achievement.

he possessed expertise

Uses a more formal tone to emphasize specialized knowledge.

he had a knack for

Indicates a natural talent or aptitude for something.

he was competent

Implies a basic level of skill and ability.

he excelled

Suggests outstanding performance and skill.

he was highly capable

Emphasizes a broad range of skills and abilities.

he was first-rate

An informal way of saying that someone's skill set is top notch.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he was skilled"?

You can use alternatives like "he was proficient", "he was adept", or "he was talented" depending on the context.

How do I use "he was skilled" in a sentence?

Use "he was skilled" to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a specific area. For example, "He was skilled at managing complex projects".

Which is correct, "he was skilled in" or "he was skilled at"?

Both "he was skilled in" and "he was skilled at" are correct, although "he was skilled at" is more common. "He was skilled with" can also be correct when referring to using a tool or instrument.

What's the difference between "he was skilled" and "he was experienced"?

"He was skilled" implies competence and ability, while "he was experienced" suggests knowledge gained through practice and time. A person can be skilled without being experienced, and vice versa.