more skilled

USAGE SUMMARY

"more skilled" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to compare the level of skill between two or more people or things. Example: Sarah is more skilled at playing the piano than her brother. In this sentence, we are comparing Sarah's level of skill to her brother's level of skill. "More skilled" indicates that Sarah's level of skill is higher than her brother's.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"And he's more skilled than people realize".

The New York Times

Finland is much more skilled than us.

The Guardian - Sport

You'll rarely meet a more skilled politician.

The Guardian

I think I am more skilled, though.

The Guardian - Books

Since then, she says, she has become much more skilled.

The New York Times

Some are more skilled at this than others.

The New York Times - Magazine

In truth, he says, Poles are often more skilled.

The Economist

We all benefit from a more skilled workforce".

Independent

In American history, there have been few more skilled orators.

The New Yorker

That project would take more skilled, higher paid workers.

The New York Times

Some students, Dr. Gardner says, are more skilled with language.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing skills, use "more skilled" to clearly indicate a higher level of proficiency. For example, "She is more skilled in negotiation than her counterpart."

Common error

While both "more skilled" and "more skillful" are grammatically correct, "more skilled" is generally preferred in modern usage. Choose the one that sounds more natural in your specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more skilled" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a higher degree of skill relative to another person, object, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showing its use in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more skilled" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to express a higher level of proficiency between two or more subjects. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in modern English. While alternatives such as "more proficient" or "more adept" can be used, "more skilled" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. When choosing between "more skilled" and "more skillful", consider "more skilled" as the more prevalent option in contemporary usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more proficient

Emphasizes competence and expertise.

more adept

Highlights natural talent and quickness in skill.

more accomplished

Suggests a higher level of achievement and mastery.

more experienced

Focuses on knowledge gained over time.

more competent

Emphasizes the ability to perform tasks effectively.

more qualified

Stresses formal training and certification.

more masterful

Indicates exceptional skill and control.

better trained

Highlights the quality of the training received.

more capable

Focuses on the inherent ability to do something well.

more talented

Highlights natural aptitude and gift.

FAQs

How can I use "more skilled" in a sentence?

You can use "more skilled" to compare the abilities of two or more people or things. For instance, "She is "more skilled" than her colleague in data analysis".

What are some alternatives to saying "more skilled"?

Alternatives include "more proficient", "more adept", or "more experienced" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "more skilled" or should I use another phrase?

"More skilled" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase. There's no grammatical reason to avoid it. However, you might choose a different phrase like "more competent" or "more capable" to add nuance.

What's the difference between "more skilled" and "more skillful"?

While both phrases mean having a greater level of ability, "more skilled" is the more common and modern phrasing. "More skillful" is also correct but may sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned.