proficient at

USAGE SUMMARY

"proficient at" is an acceptable expression to use in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone is very capable or knowledgeable at something. For example: "My boss is very proficient at giving clear instructions."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I'm not proficient at computers.

The New York Times - Sports

There, she become quite proficient at shorthand.

The New York Times

He became proficient at fly fishing.

The New York Times

Only 5percentt of the students were proficient at reading.

The New York Times

She appears to be proficient at life on the run.

Independent

He was also proficient at baseball, bridge, and tennis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

People want to work on what they're proficient at.

The New York Times - Sports

So proficient at PR in his early days, Cameron's skills deserted him last week.

The Guardian - Opinion

The truth is that the exotic-car buyer is quite proficient at math.

The New York Times

England play the more structured game and are proficient at recycling.

The Guardian - Sport

He was an outfielder, a switch-hitter, proficient at bunting in the leadoff spot.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proficient at", ensure the skill or area of expertise is clearly defined. For example, "She is proficient at data analysis" is more effective than simply stating "She is proficient."

Common error

Avoid using "proficient at" without specifying the area of expertise. Saying someone is "proficient at things" lacks clarity and weakens your statement. Always specify the skill or subject they excel in.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proficient at" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a high level of skill or competence in a particular area. As stated by Ludwig, it is an acceptable phrase for describing ability. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from computer skills to sports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proficient at" is a versatile phrase used to describe a high degree of competence in a specific skill or area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is an acceptable expression for describing ability. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and also sees use in scientific, encyclopedia, and wiki articles. While "proficient in" is sometimes used as a substitute, "proficient at" is generally preferred when referencing a specific skill or activity. When using this phrase, ensure the area of expertise is clearly defined to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skilled in

Focuses on possessing a skill rather than the level of mastery.

adept at

Emphasizes natural talent or quickness in learning something.

competent in

Highlights the ability to perform tasks adequately.

capable of

Indicates having the ability or qualities necessary to do something.

experienced in

Stresses knowledge or skill gained from a period of involvement in an activity or field.

masterful in

Suggests a high degree of skill and control.

accomplished in

Emphasizes having achieved a high level of skill or expertise.

well-versed in

Highlights a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject.

talented at

Implies a natural aptitude or gift for something.

seasoned in

Suggests extensive experience and refined skill over time.

FAQs

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

Use "proficient at" to describe someone's high level of skill or expertise in a specific area. For instance, "He is "proficient at coding"" or "She is "proficient at public speaking"".

What are some alternatives to "proficient at"?

You can use alternatives like "skilled in", "adept at", or "competent in" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

While "proficient in" is also acceptable, "proficient at" is generally more common when referring to a specific skill or activity. "Proficient in" is often used for broader areas of knowledge. Therefore, "proficient at playing the piano" is preferable to "proficient in playing the piano".

What does it mean to be "proficient at" something?

To be "proficient at" something means you have a high degree of competence and skill in that area. You are capable of performing tasks effectively and efficiently.