it excels in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it excels in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to highlight a particular area or aspect where something performs exceptionally well. Example: "This software excels in data analysis, providing insights that are both accurate and timely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It excels in cold conditions.

Independent

It excels in some investment-banking disciplines.

The Economist

It excels in cross-rhythms, syncopation.

The New York Times - Arts

I can barely see the birdie under all this sauce and yet it excels in flavourlessness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, it excels in spheres in which the Brits invest little pride: cooking, painting, music and living life with a general sense of style.

The Economist

Its genius is not that it puts character before plot, rather that it excels in both areas, and nor does it stint on the one-liners.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Does it excel in terms of form and function?

The New York Times - Arts

Does it excel in cosy cafes or dazzling displays of leaf colours along the streets?

The Guardian - Travel

Members of two sleep-rock bands, Bedhead (given too much credit for pioneering the slow style it excelled in) and Codeine (given to little credit for pioneering the slow style it excelled in) wake up a little bit to form the New Year, a slightly more visceral and upbeat rock deconstruction.

The New York Times

As for Fascism, it excelled in the three tournaments prior to the Second World War; Mussolini's Italy won two of them, and fascist regimes compiled an overall record of 17-4-5 17-4-5 17-4-5

The New Yorker

Thrashing out books relentlessly, it excelled in the more brutal end of youth-oriented fiction: rampant gang violence, skinheads marauding around in bovver boots, Satanic cult worship... basically anything that was causing a moral fuss in the decade of disco.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it excels in" to clearly highlight the specific areas of strength or superior performance of a subject. Be specific about what 'it' refers to and the area of excellence.

Common error

Avoid using "it excels in" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the subject is explicitly stated to prevent ambiguity and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it excels in" functions as a predicate in a sentence, highlighting a specific area of competence or superior ability. It emphasizes the subject's strength, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it excels in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the strong points of a subject. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it's best used to highlight specific areas of superior performance, often in neutral to formal contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While versatile, ensuring the subject is clear and specific is crucial. Alternatives like "it is proficient in" or "it shines in" can offer nuanced variations. Ludwig provides ample examples showcasing its proper usage, reaffirming its utility in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is proficient in

Replaces "excels" with "proficient", focusing on competence.

it is adept at

Uses "adept" to emphasize skillfulness, changing the preposition to "at".

it is skilled in

Emphasizes skill as the primary attribute.

it is strong in

Highlights strength as an area of advantage.

it is distinguished in

Indicates prominence or exceptional performance.

it is masterful at

Suggests expertise and control, using "masterful".

it shines in

Uses a more figurative expression to highlight excellence.

it stands out in

Implies it is noticeable due to its superior qualities.

it is a leader in

Suggests it is among the best or most advanced.

it is preeminent in

Emphasizes the highest level of distinction.

FAQs

How can I use "it excels in" in a sentence?

Use "it excels in" to showcase a particular area of strength. For example, "This software "excels in data analysis", providing timely and accurate insights."

What are some alternatives to "it excels in"?

Alternatives include "it is proficient in", "it is adept at", or "it shines in" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it excels in" and "it is good at"?

"It excels in" implies a higher degree of skill or performance than "it is good at". "It is good at" suggests competence, while "it excels in" suggests outstanding ability.

When is it appropriate to use "it excels in" in writing?

Use "it excels in" when you want to emphasize a specific area where something or someone performs exceptionally well, particularly in professional or academic contexts. Don't use "it excels in" in general contexts, instead use more informal options.