proficient about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proficient about" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct expression would typically be "proficient in" or "proficient at." Example: "She is proficient in multiple programming languages."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As it is, they epitomize all that has long been worst about Paris Opera style: musically deaf, showily virtuosic and proficient about minor points of academically correct delivery while uninterested in the larger points of classicism.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of them stated that since they are not proficient about doing self-assessment and peer-assessment "it is better for us not to take the risk and doing that".

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

To achieve better success in identifying migraine patients, proficient knowledge about this disease is essential for otolaryngologists.

BioMed Research International

Making and construction is not about becoming proficient with a 3D printer, learning how to calculate resistance, or even about so-called 21st century skills.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Employers complain that recent economics graduates, while being technically proficient, know very little about the real world.

The Guardian - Business

In his talk on Sunday, Atul Gawande asked audience members to think about how proficient hospitals should be at rescuing patients.

The New Yorker

By New Yorker Festival October 7, 2012 In his talk on Sunday, Atul Gawande asked audience members to think about how proficient hospitals should be at rescuing patients.

The New Yorker

They have gone to the trouble of being technically proficient enough to know about the dark web and to operate within it.

The Guardian

The execution is proficient enough, but everything about the album lacks character, from the anodyne production to the wafer-thin songs, which reveal what they're all about within the first verse.

The Guardian - Music

"I love good filmmaking that isn't just about really proficient writers of dialogue, who think that everybody's really articulate and everybody can hear each other really well.

The New York Times

Indeed, e-commerce sites often emphasize more about being proficient and effective, hence neglect the "human touch".

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "proficient in" or "proficient at" instead of "proficient about". For example, say "She is proficient in programming" or "He is proficient at playing the piano".

Common error

Avoid using "about" after "proficient". The correct prepositions are "in" for general areas of expertise and "at" for specific skills or activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proficient about" functions as an adjective phrase intended to describe someone's skill or competence related to a particular subject. However, it's grammatically incorrect. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, standard usage dictates "proficient in" or "proficient at" instead.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "proficient about" aims to convey skill or knowledge, it's grammatically incorrect. Standard English dictates the use of "proficient in" or "proficient at". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is better to use "proficient in" or knowledgeable about. Although there are some instances of "proficient about" in various sources, including news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it's best to avoid this phrasing to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing. Always opt for the grammatically sound alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skilled in

Replaces "proficient" with "skilled" and "about" with "in", focusing on possessing a developed ability.

knowledgeable about

Shifts from skill to knowledge, emphasizing understanding rather than practiced ability.

competent in

Similar to "skilled in", highlighting the ability to perform tasks effectively.

adept at

Indicates a high degree of skill, often implying natural talent.

experienced with

Focuses on proficiency gained through practical experience.

masterful in

Suggests a very high level of skill, almost artistic or expert-level.

well-versed in

Emphasizes thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject.

accomplished in

Highlights a proven track record of success and proficiency.

qualified in

Focuses on having the necessary qualifications and training.

capable in

Indicates possessing the basic ability to perform a task.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say someone is skilled in a particular area?

Use "proficient in" or "skilled in". For example, "She is "proficient in" data analysis" or "He is "skilled in" negotiation".

What can I say instead of "proficient about"?

Opt for alternatives like "knowledgeable about", ""skilled in"", or "competent in" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "proficient in" or "proficient about"?

"Proficient in" is the correct and standard English usage. "Proficient about" is grammatically incorrect.

How to use "proficient in" in a sentence?

You can say, for example, "The software developer is "proficient in" Java and Python", or "The chef is "proficient in" French cuisine".