reasonable proficiency in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable proficiency in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a level of skill or competence in a particular area, often in contexts like job applications or educational qualifications. Example: "The candidate must demonstrate reasonable proficiency in both written and spoken communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She also has a non-famous boyfriend, a reasonable proficiency in cello and piano and an awareness of her own limitations.

The Guardian - Film

The goal is to provide students with reasonable proficiency in reading a variety of literary, philosophical, and historical texts in the original and, through this training, to provide them with a critical understanding of Yiddish-speaking culture and society.

Columbia University

The goal of the major is to provide students with reasonable proficiency in reading a variety of literary, philosophical, and historical texts in the original and, through this training, to facilitate a critical understanding of modern German-speaking cultures and societies.

Columbia University

With 350 million people displaying a reasonable proficiency in English, it's the largest English-using country in the world.

Forbes

He retained reasonable proficiency in Italian for the rest of his life, albeit reportedly with an "atrocious" accent.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I had already been studying Chinese for two years at Calasanctius, and by 1971, I had [achieved] reasonable proficiency.

Princeton University

All the questions require a reasonable degree of proficiency in reading English.

The New York Times

They have attained a reasonable degree of proficiency in spoken English through a succession of language courses that routinely promote the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, but tend to neglect the fifth skill, that of translation.

The Guardian

However, it can be argued that an MCQ exam is a good measure of the knowledge acquisition associated with a teaching intervention, and that those Malawi students who reached a reasonable grade in this MCQ examination had obtained and demonstrated proficiency in theoretical understanding of psychiatry.

BMC Medical Education

Many jobs require proficiency in Irish.

The Economist

Determine your level of proficiency in English.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing required qualifications, use "reasonable proficiency in" to set realistic expectations, avoiding overly demanding requirements that might discourage potential applicants.

Common error

Avoid using stronger terms like "expert" or "advanced" when "reasonable proficiency" is sufficient. Overstating requirements can deter qualified candidates who may underestimate their abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable proficiency in" functions as a pre-modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, that qualifies a noun. It indicates a specific, acceptable level of skill or ability. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a competence level.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable proficiency in" is a useful phrase for describing an expected level of competence that isn't necessarily expert-level but is adequate for a given task or situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and appears across academic, news, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that this phrase sets a standard that should be attainable, avoiding overly demanding expectations. Alternatives like "adequate skill level in" or "sufficient expertise in" can be used depending on the desired nuance. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively incorporate "reasonable proficiency in" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate competence in

Focuses on the sufficiency of the skill level rather than its degree.

sufficient expertise in

Emphasizes specialized knowledge more than general ability.

acceptable skill level in

Highlights that the skill meets a minimum requirement.

fair mastery of

Implies a balance between knowledge and application.

moderate capability in

Suggests a mid-range ability, neither high nor low.

competent in

More concise and direct, lacking the nuance of "reasonable".

serviceable knowledge of

Suggests a practical level of knowledge sufficient for basic tasks.

passing familiarity with

Indicates a superficial level of understanding, less in-depth than proficiency.

working knowledge of

Focuses on the practical application of knowledge in a work setting.

basic grasp of

Implies a fundamental understanding without significant skill.

FAQs

How do you use "reasonable proficiency in" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable proficiency in" to describe a level of skill or ability that is adequate but not necessarily expert. For example, "The job requires "reasonable proficiency in" data analysis."

What's a good alternative to "reasonable proficiency in"?

Alternatives include "adequate skill level in", "sufficient expertise in", or "competent in". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired nuance.

Is it better to say "reasonable proficiency in" or "expertise in"?

"Reasonable proficiency in" suggests a satisfactory level of skill, while "expertise in" implies a much higher, more specialized level. Use "expertise in" when deep, specialized knowledge is required; otherwise, "reasonable proficiency in" is often sufficient.

What does "reasonable proficiency in English" mean?

"Reasonable proficiency in English" means having a sufficient command of the English language to understand and communicate effectively in most situations. This typically includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.