proficiency in

USAGE SUMMARY

"proficiency in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's ability in a certain activity or skill. Example: She demonstrated a high level of proficiency in Spanish.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many jobs require proficiency in Irish.

The Economist

Determine your level of proficiency in English.

The New York Times

Proficiency in calculus essential.

Harvard University

Prerequisites: reading proficiency in Polish.

Columbia University

Prerequisite: proficiency in multivariate calculus.

Stanford University

Prerequisites: Proficiency in Arabic required.

Columbia University

Proficiency in arranging Illusory Public Offerings (I.P.O.'s) required.

The New York Times

An extra section, which is optional, tests proficiency in Spanish.

The New York Times

The company's proficiency in software and data crunching is unquestioned.

MIT Technology Review

(c) Correlation between GMV decrease and unicyling proficiency in rSTG.

Nature

Proficiency in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abilities, use "proficiency in" to highlight a developed skill or competence in a specific area. For example, "She has a high level of proficiency in data analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "proficiency at" as it is less common and grammatically awkward. "Proficiency in" is the standard and preferred construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proficiency in" functions as a noun phrase complemented by a preposition, indicating a level of skill or competence. It is commonly used to specify the area in which someone possesses a certain level of ability. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proficiency in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for indicating skill or competence in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most common in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "expertise in" and "competence in" exist, "proficiency in" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice. Remember to avoid the less common "proficiency at". Using "proficiency in" effectively communicates the level of skill required or possessed in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expertise in

Emphasizes specialized knowledge or skill acquired through experience.

competence in

Highlights the ability to perform a task successfully.

mastery of

Suggests a comprehensive and deep understanding or control of a subject.

skill in

Focuses on a developed talent or ability.

aptitude for

Implies a natural inclination or potential for success.

fluency in

Specifically refers to the ability to use a language easily and accurately.

capability in

Indicates the potential or capacity to perform something.

qualifications in

Points to formal certifications or training.

command of

Suggests a strong and authoritative control or knowledge.

understanding of

Emphasizes comprehension and knowledge rather than practical skill.

FAQs

How do you use "proficiency in" in a sentence?

Use "proficiency in" to describe someone's skill or competence in a particular area. For example, "The job requires "proficiency in English"".

What's the difference between "proficiency in" and "expertise in"?

"Proficiency in" indicates a general competence or skill, while "expertise in" suggests a higher level of specialized knowledge and experience.

What are some alternatives to "proficiency in"?

You can use alternatives such as "skill in", "competence in", or "mastery of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "proficiency at" instead of "proficiency in"?

While not strictly incorrect, "proficiency in" is the more widely accepted and grammatically standard form. "Proficiency in" is almost always preferable.