is competent to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is competent to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that someone or something is able to do something, or is experienced enough to do something. For example: He is competent to lead the team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Writer feels that only his trainer, Bill Winfrey is competent to decide and he won't led Bold Lad run if he isn't fit.

The New Yorker

First, though, a hearing will determine if Mrs. Yates is competent to stand trial.

The New York Times

First, the court assesses whether the defendant is competent to stand trial.

The New York Times

Why is Mr. Woodward "doubting" whether or not Mr. Felt is "competent" to tell his story?

The New York Times

WS: At the live show I saw, you said, "Nobody is competent to review me".

The Guardian

Altogether, this suggests that the remodeled DC is competent to recruit PCM.

Nature

In any event, it doubts if Mr Speight is competent to rule.

The Economist

By comparing MOBBO with other popular MOEAs, this algorithm is competent to handle MOPs.

Information Sciences

"I think the Uniform Code of Military Justice is competent to act on the abuses that occurred," Mr. Ereli said.

The New York Times

"The appropriate question is whether he is competent to choose the endeavor," said the court, which ruled that he was.

The New York Times

Whether Mrs. Yates is competent to understand the court proceedings must be determined before a trial can be held.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is competent to" when you want to emphasize someone's proven ability or formal qualification to perform a task. This phrase is suitable for professional and academic contexts where demonstrated capability is important.

Common error

While "is competent to" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can" or "is able to" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is competent to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun. Ludwig AI confirms that it expresses capability or qualification. It's commonly used to assert someone's or something's proven ability to perform a specific action or task, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is competent to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that expresses capability or qualification, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage is particularly common in science, news media, and academic contexts, signifying a formal register. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where you want to emphasize proven skills and qualifications, opting for simpler alternatives in informal settings. Remember to reserve this phrase for contexts that require a demonstration of expertise or formal ability, ensuring your writing remains precise and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is capable of

Replaces "competent" with "capable", focusing on inherent ability.

is qualified to

Emphasizes having the necessary qualifications or credentials.

is able to

A simpler way of expressing ability, less formal than "competent".

has the ability to

More descriptive, highlighting the possession of an ability.

is skilled at

Focuses on developed skill rather than general competence.

is proficient in

Highlights a high degree of skill and expertise.

is equipped to

Suggests having the necessary resources or tools in addition to competence.

is trained to

Focuses on formal training as the basis for competence.

is authorized to

Emphasizes that someone has been given permission to do something, implying they are also competent.

is fit to

Implies suitability and capability, often in a physical or moral sense, though applicable to competence.

FAQs

How can I use "is competent to" in a sentence?

"Is competent to" indicates someone's ability or qualification to perform a specific task. For example, "The engineer is competent to design the bridge" signifies the engineer has the skills and knowledge required for the task.

What's a simpler way to say "is competent to"?

Alternatives include "is able to", "is capable of", or "is qualified to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is competent to" and "is capable of"?

While similar, "is competent to" often implies a demonstrated ability or formal qualification, whereas "is capable of" suggests a potential or inherent ability. Competence is often proven, capability is more theoretical.

When is it appropriate to use "is competent to"?

Use "is competent to" in professional, academic, or formal contexts where you want to emphasize someone's proven skills, qualifications, or expertise in a specific area. For less formal situations, simpler alternatives like "is able to" may be more suitable.