proficient at reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proficient at reading" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's skill level or ability in reading, often in educational or professional contexts. Example: "She is proficient at reading complex texts, which greatly aids her research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Only 5percentt of the students were proficient at reading.

The New York Times

SARTORIALLY elegant and wonderfully proficient at reading a balance sheet, Ryuichi Koike looks and acts like a banker.

The Economist

The women who took part enrolled 20 years ago, when mammography images were less clear and radiologists weren't as proficient at reading them.

Harvard University

That dogs are so surprisingly proficient at reading human communication might come as no surprise to dog owners but has been something of a revelation for psychologists interested in how these skills have evolved.

The Guardian

According to a report from the National Assessment for Education Progress, in 2011, little more than a third of fourth graders were proficient at reading at their grade level.

The New Yorker

In degrees, the empathetic person sustains life outside of the box and is proficient at reading the intentions and emotions of others.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

MS-Office mandatory; English – proficient at speaking, reading and writing; Hindi – at least basic fluency in speaking not necessary but appreciated.

Princeton University

For instance, in a study by Ilg et al. (2008), participants were trained to become proficient at mirror reading.

Brain Structure and Function

In an analysis of Education Department statistics looking at eight weekly income brackets, the data showed that 7percentt of full-time workers who scored at levels deemed "below basic" on reading tests earned $850 to $1,149 a week, the fourth-highest income bracket, while 20percentt of workers who had scored at reading levels deemed "proficient" earned such wages.

The New York Times - Arts

Judging by the results from the schools, few children are proficient in reading at the fourth grade.

Harvard University

Many states claim that 80percentt or more of their students are proficient in reading or math at the same time that the federal assessment shows only a minority of students in those states reaching its standard of proficiency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reading ability, consider the specific context. Use "proficient at reading" when referring to a measured skill level, such as in academic or professional assessments.

Common error

Avoid using "proficient at reading" when describing casual reading habits or preferences. This phrase is best reserved for situations where reading skill is a key requirement or evaluation criterion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proficient at reading" functions as an adjective phrase describing a specific skill. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a high level of competence in reading, often in an educational or professional context. The examples provided show it used to describe students, professionals, and even AI systems.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proficient at reading" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates a good level of skill and competence in reading. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, academic writing, and wiki sources, signaling a neutral to professional register. It is often used in educational or professional settings to assess or describe reading capabilities. While alternatives like "skilled in reading" or "adept at reading" exist, "proficient at reading" is particularly suitable when referring to a measured or evaluated skill level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skilled in reading

Focuses on general skill level rather than a specific level of proficiency.

adept at reading

Emphasizes natural talent and ease in reading.

competent in reading

Highlights basic competence and ability to perform reading tasks adequately.

highly literate

Indicates a broad understanding and appreciation of literature and written language.

an accomplished reader

Stresses the reader's achievements and developed skills.

masterful at reading

Implies a very high level of expertise and control in reading.

experienced in reading

Highlights the amount of practical exposure and practice in reading.

well-read

Indicates extensive knowledge gained from reading many books.

fluent in reading

Focuses on the ease and speed of reading comprehension.

capable of understanding complex texts

Highlights ability to read and understand complex ideas and specialized vocabulary.

FAQs

How can I use "proficient at reading" in a sentence?

You can use "proficient at reading" to describe someone's reading skills, for example: "The student is "proficient at reading" technical manuals." or "The program aims to make all students "proficient at reading" by the end of third grade."

What are some alternatives to "proficient at reading"?

Alternatives include "skilled in reading", "adept at reading", or "competent in reading". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to say "proficient in reading" or "proficient at reading"?

Both "proficient in reading" and "proficient at reading" are acceptable, but "proficient at reading" is more common when referring to a specific skill or task. They are largely interchangeable, though slight nuances might make one preferable in certain contexts.

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

Being "proficient at reading" means that you have a good level of skill and competence in reading and understanding texts. It implies the ability to read accurately, fluently, and with good comprehension.