more than competent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than competent" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is highly skilled or capable in a particular task or area. Example: She is more than competent in her job as a project manager, consistently exceeding expectations and delivering high-quality results.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Surprisingly, Pokkén is also a more than competent fighting game.

The Guardian - Tech

She's clearly a compassionate and more than competent teacher.

Independent

Her performance, by the way, is more than competent in professional terms.

The New York Times

The service is more than competent, however, and the wine list is very good.

The New York Times - Travel

Sent to the Lords, Andrew proved a more than competent parliamentarian.

The Guardian

She's a more than competent rock singer with androgynous bravado to spare.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

He does more-than-competent stand-up comedy and he sings and dances like a summer-stock hoofer.

The New York Times

On the other hand, Lawrence is a more-than-competent director and Catching Fire has the much-hyped Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3) alongside Slumdog Millionaire's Simon Beaufoy as screenwriters.

The Guardian - Film

But Mr. Annan has been more than a competent administrator.

The New York Times

Yet the project demanded more than a competent design.

The New York Times - Arts

He was no more than a competent wicketkeeper, though his batting average was notable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than competent" to convey not just adequacy, but a definite level of skill above the expected standard. It's stronger than simply 'competent'.

Common error

Avoid using "more than competent" when 'competent' alone suffices. Overusing intensifiers can dilute the impact of your writing and make descriptions seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than competent" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It signifies a level of skill or ability that surpasses basic competence, implying a high degree of proficiency. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is used to emphasize a greater skill set than expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than competent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates a high level of skill or ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, use this phrase to show something or someone is not just adequate but is exceptionally skilled. Be mindful of overusing intensifiers and consider alternatives such as "highly capable" or "extremely proficient" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly capable

Emphasizes ability, similar to competent but with a stronger connotation of skill.

extremely proficient

Focuses on expertise and skill level, implying mastery.

exceedingly skilled

Highlights the high degree of skill involved.

remarkably talented

Suggests innate ability and exceptional performance.

exceptionally qualified

Emphasizes that someone meets or exceeds the necessary qualifications.

outstandingly able

Implies remarkable capability and effectiveness.

demonstrably adept

Focuses on proven skill and expertise.

particularly effective

Highlights the positive results and impact of someone's abilities.

decidedly masterful

Suggests a high level of control and expertise.

eminently suited

Focuses on how well someone's skills align with the requirements of a specific role.

FAQs

How can I use "more than competent" in a sentence?

You can use "more than competent" to describe someone or something that exceeds basic competence. For example, "She is "more than competent" in her role as a surgeon".

What are some alternatives to "more than competent"?

Alternatives include "highly capable", "extremely proficient", or "exceptionally qualified", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "more than competent" or "very competent"?

"More than competent" suggests a higher degree of skill and capability compared to "very competent". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to place on someone's abilities.

What is the difference between "competent" and "more than competent"?

"Competent" implies meeting the required standards, while "more than competent" suggests exceeding those standards and demonstrating a higher level of skill or expertise.