more adept at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more adept at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two subjects and indicating that one is more knowledgeable than the other. For example: After months of practice, he became more adept at playing the guitar than his siblings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-- have proved more adept at public relations.

The New York Times

More adept at the traditional manly functions than Paolo was.

The New Yorker

They are more adept at handling screwdrivers than basketballs.

The New York Times - Sports

He has also proved more adept at raising money.

The New York Times

"And he's also more adept at playing the left side".

The New York Times - Sports

Only harpists would be more adept at pulling strings.

The New York Times - Style

So is she more adept at compromise than her character?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As engineers became more adept at achieving life safety protection goals, society began to demand more.

University of California, Berkeley

Training with Hastings helped her become more adept at surging, once a weakness.

The New York Times - Sports

The next year, the junkie grew more adept at stealing old ladies' handbags.

The Economist

A shame he was not more adept at cleaning it up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "more adept at", ensure the context clearly defines the specific skill or activity being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "more adept at" when describing general intelligence or aptitude. This phrase is most effective when referring to specific, demonstrable skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more adept at" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a higher degree of skill or proficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, making it a reliable choice for expressing comparative abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more adept at" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that indicates a higher degree of skill or proficiency. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. It's best used when comparing specific, demonstrable skills, and alternatives like ""more skilled at"" or ""better at"" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to define the specific skill being compared to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more skilled at

Replaces "adept" with "skilled", emphasizing practical ability and training.

more proficient in

Uses "proficient" and changes the preposition to "in", suggesting a high degree of competence.

better at

A simpler, more direct way to express superior ability.

more capable of

Focuses on the capacity to perform a task effectively.

excels in

Indicates a superior level of performance or achievement.

highly competent in

Emphasizes a high level of expertise and knowledge.

demonstrates greater aptitude for

Highlights a natural talent or inclination toward something.

shows greater expertise in

Implies a deep understanding and mastery of a particular skill or subject.

more talented at

Suggests an innate ability or gift.

more accomplished in

Indicates a high level of achievement and refinement in a particular area.

FAQs

How can I use "more adept at" in a sentence?

You can use "more adept at" to compare the proficiency of two subjects in a particular skill. For example, "She is "more adept at" coding than her colleague."

What are some alternatives to "more adept at"?

Alternatives include "more skilled at", "better at", or "more proficient in". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more adept in" instead of "more adept at"?

While "adept in" can be used, ""more adept at"" is generally preferred when referring to skills or activities. "Adept in" is more commonly used when referring to knowledge or understanding of a subject.

What's the difference between "more adept at" and "more experienced in"?

"More adept at" implies a greater natural talent or refined skill, while "more experienced in" suggests a greater amount of practice or exposure. One can be "more adept at" something without being more experienced, and vice versa.