more proficient at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more proficient at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a higher level of skill or competence in a particular area or activity compared to others. Example: "She is more proficient at playing the piano than her classmates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After a while you get more proficient at avoiding the pitfalls.

The Guardian

Defensive behaviors were proportionate to exposure level, and calves became more proficient at interfering with fly feeding over time.

The Professional Animal Scientist

And some say the practice may also help them become more proficient at what they do for a living.

The New York Times

Early scientific investigators were far more proficient at measuring time and space than understanding heat and energy.

The New York Times - Books

Many U.S. companies are actively seeking to become more proficient at using the data captured in their information systems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Individuals scoring relatively high on measures of working memory tend to be more proficient at controlling attention to minimize the effect of distracting information.

NeuroImage

On the other hand, her mother, Caprial, is more proficient at texting and will ask how her day was at school or how her friends are doing.

The New York Times

Benefitting from algorithms that allowed him to learn from his own mistakes, he became more proficient at parsing questions and judging the quality of potential answers.

The New Yorker

Both boys were obsessed with arcade games, and were more proficient at writing clever computer games than navigating the mazes of childhood and adolescence.

The New York Times - Books

But the older fencers will make the mistake maybe once but won't repeat it and are much more proficient at creating situations for others to make mistakes.

The New York Times - Sports

At the very least, the state will have to become a great deal more proficient at commissioning services, as the Institute for Government urged last week.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more proficient at" to clearly indicate an improvement or higher level of skill compared to a previous state or another person. For example, instead of saying "They improved their skills", specify the area: "They became "more proficient at" data analysis".

Common error

Avoid using "proficient" without a qualifier. "Proficient" implies a level of skill relative to something else. Instead of stating "He is proficient", specify "He is "more proficient at" coding than his peers", or indicate the standard: "He is proficient according to industry standards".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more proficient at" functions as a comparative adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a higher degree of skill or competence in a specific activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more proficient at" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express an increase in skill or ability, as verified by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is clear and that the context supports the implication of improved skill. While alternatives like "more skilled at" or "better at" exist, "more proficient at" offers a nuanced way to convey expertise and progress. Keep in mind, proficiency needs a point of reference, either implicit or explicit. Steer clear of overgeneralizations or vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more skilled at

Direct synonym focusing on skill level.

more adept at

Emphasizes dexterity and quickness in skill.

more competent in

Focuses on the adequacy of the skill.

more experienced in

Highlights gained knowledge and practice.

better at

Simpler and more general alternative.

more masterful at

Implies a high level of control and expertise.

more accomplished in

Stresses a sense of achievement and proficiency.

more efficient at

Highlights optimization and resourcefulness in performance.

more talented at

Suggests an innate ability contributing to proficiency.

more fluent in

Implies an ease and grace in performing the task.

FAQs

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

Use "more proficient at" to compare skill levels. For example: "After taking the course, she became "more proficient at" using the software" or "He is "more proficient at" public speaking than he used to be".

What are some alternatives to "more proficient at"?

You can use phrases like "more skilled at", "more adept at", or "better at depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "proficient at" without using "more"?

Yes, "proficient at" is correct, but "more proficient at" indicates a higher degree of skill than simply "proficient". Using "more" implies a comparison or an increase in skill level.

What's the difference between "more proficient at" and "more effective at"?

"More proficient at" refers to an increased skill or expertise, while "more effective at" indicates improved results or outcomes. For example, someone might be "more proficient at" coding (skill), but "more effective at" leading a team (results).