improve proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

"improve proficiency" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should enhance or become better at a particular skill or task. For example: "If you want to excel at basketball, you should focus on improving your shooting proficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The addition of TEE simulation to this experience may improve proficiency, speed learning, and increase fellows' comfort with TEE.

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography

GHEs provide residents ample opportunity to improve proficiency with such skills where ancillary resources are more limited (Fig. 1, M 13, 14).

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Early exposure to education in ultrasonography has been advocated to improve proficiency, confidence, and competency, which could be beneficial prior to entering any residency.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Respondents' rate improved proficiency over time.

Duke University

However, we also report partial evidence of improved proficiency test scores for learners with group-oriented learning styles at the expense of learners with individualistic learning styles in the test group (and vice-versa in the control group), an effect of pedagogy known as the 'meshing hypothesis' - a hypothesis that has often been criticised in the learning styles literature.

Language Testing in Asia

Indeed, a few nucleotide substitutions that bring these parameters closer to those of typical miRNAs imparted improved proficiency to lsy-6 and miR-23, even though the sites were in their original UTR contexts.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

Lifestyle counselors addressed several ways to improve their proficiency with the counseling technique.

BMC Public Health

Lifestyle counselors suggested several strategies to improve the proficiency of their counseling technique, such as training in small groups and a continuous stream of employee referrals.

BMC Public Health

There is a crucial need for helping students to improve language proficiency.

The Guardian

I have one year of Mandarin Chinese and I hope to improve my proficiency this summer.

Harvard University

When the Chinese company making the part said his measurements did not add up, Mr. Varganyi, 65, sought to improve his proficiency at measuring.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improve proficiency", specify the area of proficiency to provide context and clarity. For instance, instead of saying "improve proficiency", specify "improve proficiency in data analysis".

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing actions to "improve proficiency". Instead of saying "Proficiency should be improved", use active voice: "You should improve your proficiency" for a clearer and more direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improve proficiency" functions as a verb phrase where "improve" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object ("proficiency"). It signifies the act of making something better or more advanced, aligning with Ludwig's analysis of its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "improve proficiency" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies enhancing skills or abilities in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While frequently seen in scientific and academic contexts, it also appears in news and media. To maximize clarity, specify the area of proficiency when using the phrase. Keep in mind there exist several ways to express similar meanings such as "enhance skills" or "develop expertise".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhance skills

Focuses broadly on skills, lacking the specific implication of expertise that "proficiency" carries.

develop expertise

Emphasizes gaining deep knowledge and skill in a particular area.

hone abilities

Suggests refining existing abilities to a sharper, more effective state.

boost competence

Highlights increasing the general capability to perform a task adequately.

sharpen skills

Implies refining existing skills that may have become rusty.

cultivate mastery

Suggests a long-term commitment to achieving a high level of skill.

advance capabilities

Focuses on moving to a higher level of skill or performance.

refine technique

Emphasizes improving the method or approach used to perform a task.

elevate performance

Highlights the act of raising the overall level of achievement.

upgrade skills

Suggests modernization or bringing skills up to the current standard.

FAQs

How can I use "improve proficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "improve proficiency" to describe the act of enhancing skills in a particular area. For example: "Regular practice can help you "improve proficiency" in a foreign language."

What are some alternatives to saying "improve proficiency"?

Alternatives include "enhance skills", "develop expertise", or "hone abilities", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "improve proficiency" or "increase proficiency"?

Both "improve proficiency" and "increase proficiency" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "improve proficiency" often implies a more qualitative enhancement, while "increase proficiency" suggests a quantitative gain.

What's the difference between "improve proficiency" and "achieve proficiency"?

"Improve proficiency" refers to the process of enhancing existing skills, while "achieve proficiency" implies reaching a desired level of competence or skill.