proficiency at

USAGE SUMMARY

"proficiency at" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's level of skill or knowledge. Example: She has a high level of proficiency at playing the piano.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Though Kortni's skill for being drunk is uneven, her proficiency at getting drunk is quite remarkable.

The New Yorker

Lee's proficiency at swapping genres, but retaining a purposeful humaneness, is his hallmark.

The Guardian - Film

(It also seems to help with musical sight-reading and proficiency at Texas hold 'em).

The New Yorker

It has demonstrated a proficiency at reasoning skills, and therefore thinks every problem can be solved entirely with that proficiency.

The New York Times

So you see, my dogs, with their limited proficiency at obeying me, may not have seemed so smart.

The New York Times - Science

Paul Ince's proficiency at overcoming League Two opposition earned him a personal promotion to the Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

I quickly discovered that acquiring even a mediocre proficiency at handling a Formula Dodge was not easy.

The New York Times

Campbell cites a published letter in which Kerouac stated, "I have no proficiency at all in my native language".

The New York Times - Books

Republicans acknowledge that Democrats may reap some residual benefit from Mr. Obama's 2008 proficiency at finding and mobilizing new voters.

The New York Times

By contrast, he said, the Sanitation Department does not allow its drivers to operate trucks on city streets until they have demonstrated some proficiency at the training location.

The New York Times

It's been suggested that the benefits of caffeine, in terms of heightened focus, might be offset by a decrease in proficiency at more imaginative tasks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proficiency at", ensure that the activity or skill being described is clearly defined. For example, specify "proficiency at data analysis" rather than just "proficiency".

Common error

Avoid overstating someone's abilities by using "proficiency at" when "basic understanding of" or "familiarity with" is more accurate. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proficiency at" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe the level of skill or competence an individual or entity possesses in a particular area. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in specifying abilities, aligning with its grammatical purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proficiency at" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe skill or competence in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. The phrase functions to inform and assess, indicating a level of expertise. While suitable for neutral and professional settings, it maintains a register accessible to a broad audience. When choosing an alternative, consider nuances like "competence at", "skill in", or "expertise in" to tailor your message precisely. Ensure clarity by specifying the activity related to the "proficiency at" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competence at

This alternative highlights the ability to perform a task adequately, placing emphasis on meeting required standards.

skill in

This alternative focuses on the expertise and dexterity in a particular activity.

expertise in

Implies a high level of specialized knowledge or skill, suggesting mastery.

adeptness at

Suggests a natural talent or quickness in learning a particular skill.

aptitude for

Highlights an inherent capacity or potential to learn and excel in a specific area.

facility with

Emphasizes ease and fluency in performing a particular task.

mastery of

Implies comprehensive knowledge and control over a subject or skill.

knack for

Refers to a natural and intuitive ability, often implying an effortless skill.

talent for

Focuses on innate ability and natural giftedness.

gift for

Stresses a natural and exceptional ability, often implying a unique or rare skill.

FAQs

How do I use "proficiency at" in a sentence?

Use "proficiency at" to describe someone's skill level in a particular activity. For example, "Her "proficiency at" coding is impressive".

What's a good substitute for "proficiency at"?

Consider using phrases like "skill in", "expertise in", or "competence at" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "proficiency in" or "proficiency at"?

Both "proficiency in" and "proficiency at" are acceptable, but "proficiency at" is often used to refer to a specific skill or activity. "Proficiency in" can be used more broadly. The choice depends on the context.

What does "demonstrate proficiency at" mean?

To "demonstrate "proficiency at"" means to show that you have a good level of skill or knowledge in a particular area through your actions or performance.