she was proficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was proficient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's skill or competence in a particular area or subject. Example: "In her role as a software developer, she was proficient in multiple programming languages, which greatly contributed to the team's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Nneka Onuorah began taking tap-dancing lessons when she was 4, and by her teenage years, she was proficient in jazz, contemporary and hip-hop moves.

The New York Times

Once she was proficient with a camera, Man Ray promoted her for commissions that he couldn't fulfill or didn't want, one of which was to document operations at the Sorbonne medical school.

The New Yorker

We provided additional training for her and closer monitoring until we felt she was proficient in her abstractions.

BMC Health Services Research

Despite the AP having the MSc AP qualification a further 18 months of practical training was arranged to ensure "she was proficient in doing the practical procedure".

BMJ Open

We employed the individual as she was already a Band 7 sister but we employed her as a Band 7 advanced nurse practitioner, working day time with me for 18 months to make sure she could be trained and that she was proficient in doing the practical procedure that she needed to.

BMJ Open

(Medical Consultant 2) We employed the individual as she was already a Band 7 sister but we employed her as a Band 7 advanced nurse practitioner, working day time with me for 18 months to make sure she could be trained and that she was proficient in doing the practical procedure that she needed to.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mrs. Cabrera may be able to get her point across in English, but whether she is proficient enough in the language to serve on the governing board of this bilingual border city has deeply divided the 25,000 residents.

The New York Times

As the child of deaf parents, she is proficient at signing and she introduces Billy to "the deaf community", the very idea of which is contemptuously dismissed by his father, who thinks that to define oneself by a disability is tantamount to "basing your identity on coming from Gateshead".

Independent

She's proficient in a bunch of different styles, to be honest.

Vice

But adjusting to the spotlight has not been easy for Vikander, who admitted she finds it difficult to be understood in English — even though she is proficient in the language.

Los Angeles Times

After doing nails myself, and sometimes even hair or makeup every day (she is proficient in all these areas), we ran to see what we could get ourselves into at the tents.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "she was proficient", specify the area or skill in which she excelled for clarity. For example, "She was proficient in data analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "she was proficient" without specifying the skill or area. This can leave the reader wondering what exactly she was good at.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was proficient" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying 'she' to indicate a competent level of skill or ability. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use in diverse contexts, highlighting expertise in various fields.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was proficient" is a grammatically sound and usable way to describe a woman's competence or skill in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms this, finding it appropriate in various contexts ranging from news and media to scientific publications. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent and clear. When employing this phrase, ensure you specify the area of proficiency for maximum impact. Consider alternatives like ""she was skilled"" or ""she was adept"" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was skilled

Replaces "proficient" with a more general term for skill.

she was adept

Uses a synonym of "proficient" suggesting natural talent.

she was competent

Emphasizes adequacy and ability to meet requirements.

she had mastered

Implies a high level of skill acquired through learning.

she excelled at

Highlights exceptional performance in a specific area.

she was highly capable

Stresses her overall capacity and potential.

she was well-versed in

Focuses on her extensive knowledge and experience.

she had a flair for

Suggests a natural inclination and talent.

she was an expert in

Indicates a very high level of knowledge and skill.

she shone at

Emphasizes outstanding performance and talent.

FAQs

How can I use "she was proficient" in a sentence?

Use "she was proficient" to describe someone's skill or competence in a particular area. For instance, "She was proficient in project management, leading to the successful completion of several initiatives."

What can I say instead of "she was proficient"?

Alternatives include "she was skilled", "she was adept", or "she was competent", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "she was proficient at" or "she was proficient in"?

Both "she was proficient at" and "she was proficient in" are acceptable, but "in" is generally preferred when referring to a subject or field, while "at" is used for activities or tasks. For example, "She was proficient in mathematics" versus "She was proficient at solving complex equations."

What's the difference between "she was proficient" and "she was an expert"?

"She was proficient" implies a good level of skill and competence, while "she was an expert" suggests a very high level of knowledge and mastery. An expert typically has more experience and deeper understanding than someone who is simply proficient.