is good at

USAGE SUMMARY

"is good at" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use "is good at" to describe someone's skill or ability in a certain area. For example: - She is good at playing the guitar. - He is good at math. - They are good at problem-solving. - I am good at cooking. - Our team is good at working under pressure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is good at calculation.

The New Yorker

Britain is good at technocratic government.

The Economist

"Everybody is good at this level".

The New York Times - Sports

But he is good at learning.

Independent

It is good at motivating its employees.

The Economist

The Buñuel gag is good, at least.

Independent

She is good at cleaning and music.

The New York Times - Books

The city is good at being pragmatic.

The Economist

One thing he is good at.

The New Yorker

CHINA is good at building defensive walls.

The Economist

A. Lib is good at everything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "is good at" followed by a specific noun or gerund phrase to clearly define the area of competence. For example, "She is good at data analysis" provides more clarity than "She is good".

Common error

Ensure that the skill or activity following "is good at" is clearly defined. Avoid using overly broad or general terms that lack specific meaning, such as "He is good at stuff", which provides little to no information about his actual abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is good at" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's ability or skill in a particular area. As Ludwig confirms, it's a standard way to express competence. It typically connects a subject with an attribute or skill.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is good at" is a versatile and commonly used expression for describing competence in a particular skill or area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. As a predicate adjective, it effectively communicates someone's capabilities, and it is considered appropriate for a neutral register. The frequency analysis reveals that it appears most often in News & Media sources. Remember to use this phrase with a clearly defined skill or activity to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "excels in" or "is proficient in" for a more nuanced description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is masterful at

Conveys a high level of expertise and control, suggesting great skill.

excels in

Focuses on exceptional performance rather than general competence.

demonstrates expertise in

Highlights a well-developed and comprehensive skill set.

is proficient in

Implies a high degree of skill and competence through training or practice.

is skilled in

Highlights learned expertise in a particular area.

is adept at

Suggests natural talent or quickness in learning and applying skills.

has a talent for

Emphasizes innate ability or aptitude.

is competent in

Indicates adequate or acceptable skill level.

is capable of

Focuses on the ability to perform a task, not necessarily with skill.

is strong in

Indicates a relative advantage or strength in a specific area compared to others.

FAQs

How do I use "is good at" in a sentence?

Use "is good at" to describe someone's proficiency or talent in a specific area. For example: "She "is good at" playing the piano" or "He "is good at" solving complex problems".

What are some alternatives to "is good at"?

Alternatives include "excels in", "is proficient in", "is skilled in", or "is adept at". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is good at"?

Yes, "is good at" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express competence in a particular skill or area. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

What's the difference between "is good at" and "is talented in"?

"Is good at" implies a general competence developed through practice or learning, while "is talented in" suggests a natural, innate ability. Someone "is good at" something may have worked hard to develop the skill, whereas someone who "is talented in" something possesses a natural aptitude.