reasonable competence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable competence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of skill or ability that is adequate or acceptable in a particular context. Example: "The job requires a reasonable competence in data analysis to ensure accurate reporting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But defendants are not entitled to a perfect defense, only reasonable competence, he had reasoned.

The New York Times

These films were put together with reasonable competence, despite being basic and inexpensively produced.

The Guardian

It takes about seven years to acquire reasonable competence to play the pipes.

The New Yorker

This is not a call for perfection, but for reasonable competence and accountability.

The New York Times

He doesn't really have much to do in "Race to Witch Mountain" (which was directed with reasonable competence by Andy Fickman) — throw some punches, react with incredulity and, well, race to Witch Mountain — but it's not painful to watch him do it.

The New York Times

Charron et al. reported that approximately 30 studies are required for reasonable competence in limited TEE [20].

Annals of Intensive Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Douchebag" is the second feature directed by Drake Doremus, and the best that can be said about it is that it shows reasonable technical competence.

The New York Times

Anyone who has been able to win a national party's nomination is likely to have a reasonable level of competence for governing (or, at least, an ability to choose and listen to advisers who have such competence).

The New York Times

"Where there is no reasonable hope of competence," Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the court, "a stay is inappropriate".

The New York Times

Even if the new regime at ITV wishes to discontinue the two services it funds in Wales and the north-east, it cannot unilaterally opt out and walk away, so for the moment there is at least the certainty of the relevant news programming continuing on ITV1, at a reasonable level of competence.

The Guardian

According to their professional profile, PNs are expected to obtain a reasonable level of competences in psychosocial care [ 34].

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable competence", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'reasonable' in terms of the required skills or abilities. This provides a clear benchmark for expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable competence" when a high level of expertise is truly needed. The term implies an acceptable, rather than exceptional, level of skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable competence" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "reasonable" modifies the noun "competence". Ludwig identifies its use across various contexts to describe an acceptable or adequate level of skill or ability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable competence" describes an acceptable level of skill or ability, suitable for various professional and academic contexts. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its frequency as uncommon, appearing most often in News & Media and Scientific sources. While implying adequacy, it avoids suggesting exceptional expertise. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines 'reasonable' to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functional competence

Highlights competence that is practical and effective for specific tasks.

adequate proficiency

Indicates a sufficient level of skill, focusing on the adequacy rather than the expected level of competence.

satisfactory capability

Emphasizes that the ability meets expectations or requirements, suggesting an acceptable standard.

sufficient expertise

Highlights possessing enough knowledge or skill to perform a task effectively.

acceptable skill level

Directly refers to the standard of skill, implying it is good enough but not necessarily outstanding.

moderate aptitude

Suggests a natural inclination and ability that is neither very high nor very low.

serviceable skill

Indicates a level of skill that is useful and functional for the task at hand.

basic proficiency

Refers to a fundamental understanding and ability, implying that more advanced skills may be lacking.

practical know-how

Focuses on the pragmatic aspect of skill and ability, emphasizing hands-on experience.

workable capability

Suggests an ability that is not perfect, but is good enough to get the job done.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable competence" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable competence" to describe someone's ability or skill that meets an acceptable standard. For example, "The job requires a reasonable competence in data analysis."

What are some alternatives to "reasonable competence"?

Alternatives include "adequate proficiency", "sufficient expertise", or "acceptable skill level", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "reasonable competence" in formal writing?

Yes, "reasonable competence" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing required skills in job descriptions or evaluating performance. However, consider more precise language if a specific level of expertise is required.

What is the difference between "reasonable competence" and "high level of expertise"?

"Reasonable competence" implies an acceptable or adequate level of skill, while "high level of expertise" indicates exceptional skill and knowledge. The former suggests meeting basic requirements, while the latter implies mastery.