highly competent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly competent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that demonstrates a high level of skill or proficiency. For example, "The candidate was highly competent in her interviews, demonstrating a deep knowledge of the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are known as highly competent people.

The New York Times

"He is a highly competent man.

The Guardian

He was regarded as highly competent, a slick operator.

The Guardian

Even highly competent militaries, of course, make blunders.

The New York Times

I work with a lot of highly competent professionals.

The New Yorker

What about a relative who's highly competent and well respected?

The New York Times

Yet, he added, "They are also highly competent".

The New York Times

Like other American researchers, he described them as doing highly competent work with meager resources.

The New York Times - Science

By all accounts, she is highly competent, intelligent and very hard-working.

The New York Times

Does it evoke excellence; are you highly competent and effective at what you do?

The New York Times

Andre became involved romantically with Weber's bright and highly competent young gallery assistant, Angela Westwater.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "highly competent", provide specific examples or evidence to support your claim. This adds credibility and depth to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "highly competent" as a generic compliment. Always provide context and specific examples to illustrate the person's skills and abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly competent" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, enhancing the noun it describes. Ludwig shows this usage is prevalent in various contexts. It adds a layer of intensity and expertise to the subject being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highly competent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to describe someone or something possessing exceptional skills and abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and versatile, fitting well in formal, neutral, and even informal contexts, though most commonly found in News & Media. When using "highly competent", remember to support your assertion with specific examples to enhance credibility. Alternatives like "extremely capable" or "exceptionally skilled" can offer nuanced ways to convey the same meaning. To ensure effective communication, avoid overuse without providing substantive details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely capable

Emphasizes the capacity to perform tasks effectively.

exceptionally skilled

Highlights the advanced level of expertise.

remarkably proficient

Focuses on the high degree of skill and efficiency.

notably talented

Underscores a natural aptitude or gift.

decidedly adept

Highlights quickness and skill in performing tasks.

impressively qualified

Stresses the formal credentials and training.

highly skilled

Focuses on the possession of specific skills.

very proficient

Similar meaning with a slightly reduced emphasis.

demonstrably effective

Highlights proven results and successful outcomes.

thoroughly qualified

Emphasizes the completeness and comprehensiveness of qualifications.

FAQs

How can I use "highly competent" in a sentence?

You can use "highly competent" to describe individuals or groups with exceptional skills. For example, "The team is composed of "highly competent" engineers" or "She is a "highly competent" project manager".

What are some synonyms for "highly competent"?

Alternatives to "highly competent" include "extremely capable", "exceptionally skilled", and "remarkably proficient", each conveying a similar level of expertise.

Is "highly competent" formal or informal?

"Highly competent" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, ensure the surrounding language aligns with the intended level of formality.

What's the difference between "highly competent" and "very competent"?

"Highly competent" suggests a superior level of skill and expertise compared to "very competent", indicating a notable degree of proficiency.