proficient in

USAGE SUMMARY

"proficient in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's ability to do something, such as "He is proficient in computer programming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Equally proficient in Hebrew, Yiddish, French and Latin.

The New York Times

A C.I.A. operative proficient in exploiting Chris Christie's known weaknesses.

The New Yorker

Five percent of Wheeler's refugee students scored proficient in math.

The New York Times

Mr. Yaacoub became fluent in Swedish and proficient in English.

The New York Times

I was barely proficient in any of these areas.

The New York Times

In New York City, 81 percent of students are deemed proficient in math, and 68.8 percent are proficient in English.

The New York Times

In addition, about 71percentt were proficient and advanced proficient in math and more than 89percentt were proficient and advanced proficient in science.

The New York Times

At M.S. 51, 82 percent are proficient in language arts with a score of 3.34; 83 percent are proficient in math with a 3.8 score.

The New York Times

Junior High School 104, on East 21st Street, scored a B on its report, with 58.7 percent proficient in English and 68.5 percent proficient in math.

The New York Times

She was a good singer, and was proficient in the piano, violin and Japanese harp.

The New York Times

Only one-third of high school students are proficient in reading, according to Snyder's office.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "proficient in" to highlight a well-developed skill acquired through training or practice.

Common error

Avoid using "proficient in" to describe basic or introductory knowledge. Reserve it for situations where genuine skill and experience are demonstrated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proficient in" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a specific skill or area of competence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in describing capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Reference

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proficient in" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to describe competence or skill in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Alternatives such as "skilled in" or "competent in" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a demonstrable level of expertise, avoiding its use for mere introductory knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competent in

Replaces "proficient" with a synonym emphasizing adequacy and capability.

skilled in

Uses "skilled" to highlight expertise developed through practice.

adept at

Changes the preposition and adjective to convey a sense of natural ability.

masterful in

Emphasizes a high level of expertise and control.

experienced in

Focuses on practical knowledge gained through direct involvement.

well-versed in

Implies comprehensive knowledge and understanding.

highly qualified in

Highlights formal qualifications and expertise.

knowledgeable about

Shifts focus to the depth of understanding rather than skill.

capable of

Indicates the ability to perform a task, but not necessarily at an expert level.

effective at

Focuses on the ability to produce desired results.

FAQs

How to use "proficient in" in a sentence?

Use "proficient in" to describe someone's competence or skill in a particular area, such as "She is "proficient in data analysis"" or "He is "proficient in multiple languages"".

What are some alternatives to "proficient in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "skilled in", "competent in", or "adept at" to convey a similar meaning.

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

While "proficient in" is more common, "proficient at" can also be used, although it's less frequent. Consider the specific context and preferred style when choosing between the two.

What level of skill does "proficient in" imply?

"Proficient in" suggests a good level of skill and competence, indicating that someone is capable and well-trained in a particular area. It doesn't necessarily imply expert-level mastery, but rather a solid understanding and ability.