is very proficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very proficient" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is highly skilled or capable in a particular task or subject. Example: She is very proficient in math and always gets top grades in the subject.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You might not be surprised to learn that she is very proficient, too, at Japanese flower-arranging and dressmaking.

Independent

She attacks foes with her ever-present Piko Piko Hammer, with which she is very proficient.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We, those out in the war, are intensely focused on something we're very proficient at.

The New York Times

"Let's say you are very proficient with numbers, quantitative work and with using the Excel program," Mr. Evans said.

The New York Times

The British are very proficient at eliminating veterinary diseases by killing and incinerating animals, officials said, noting that more than 160,000 birds were swiftly killed to contain the British outbreak.

The New York Times - Health

Gill said McClay, who was from the Barrow area, had worked at the wildlife park for a number of years and was "very proficient" in her work with big cats.

The Guardian

I can't speak  for anyone else's pantomime, but ours is all  about positivity and looking at issues such  as bullying, and making it clear that just because a child is not very proficient in  one thing, it does not mean that they can't  be very proficient in another.

Independent

I taught recently at Lisbon University on the NTS's most critically acclaimed production, Gregory Burke's Black Watch, and although the students were very proficient in English, they had to watch the DVD with the English subtitles turned on, so distinct from "standard" English is the working-class, east Scottish vernacular of the play.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bankers who tend to be very proficient at finding ways to sidestep regulations, making requirements less binding and so on.

Forbes

I quickly realized during medical school that although I was very proficient at rote memorization, I really am a big-picture thinker.

Science Magazine

Some of those lawmakers are "very proficient" with firearms, Massie said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is very proficient" to clearly communicate a high level of skill or competence in a specific area. Be specific about the area of proficiency for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "is very proficient" without specifying the skill or area. For example, instead of saying "She is very proficient", specify "She is very proficient in data analysis" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very proficient" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the subject's capability or skill level. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly appears when ascribing specific skills.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is very proficient" effectively conveys a high level of skill or competence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, especially news, wikis, and scientific publications. For clarity, always specify the area in which proficiency is demonstrated. Alternatives like "is highly skilled" and "is extremely competent" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, each with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is highly skilled

Emphasizes skill level, similar to proficiency.

is extremely competent

Highlights the individual's capability and effectiveness.

is remarkably talented

Focuses on innate talent rather than learned proficiency.

is exceptionally adept

Stresses quickness and skill in performance.

is notably capable

Emphasizes general ability and competence.

is impressively qualified

Highlights formal qualifications and credentials.

is exceptionally well-versed

Emphasizes knowledge and understanding.

is a master of

Implies a very high level of skill and control.

excels in

Focuses on surpassing others in skill.

is a whiz at

A more informal way to express high proficiency.

FAQs

What does "is very proficient" mean?

The phrase "is very proficient" means someone has a high degree of competence and skill in a particular area or task. It indicates they are capable and skilled.

How can I use "is very proficient" in a sentence?

You can use "is very proficient" to describe someone's skills. For example, "He is very proficient in programming" or "She is very proficient at playing the piano".

What are some alternatives to "is very proficient"?

Alternatives include "is highly skilled", "is extremely competent", or "excels in" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is proficient" or "is very proficient"?

Both are correct, but "is very proficient" emphasizes a higher degree of skill and competence compared to simply "is proficient".