shine at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shine at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone excelling or performing well in a particular area or activity. Example: "She really shines at public speaking, captivating her audience with every word."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sauces shine at Tutto Fresco.

The New York Times

But he also didn't shine at all.

The Economist

"I didn't shine at anything really.

The Guardian

Moreover, the sun doesn't shine at least half the time.

The New York Times

Too dangerous; they shine at gymnastics and soccer.

The New York Times

Francisco Costa at Calvin Klein makes it shine at night.

The New York Times

"It's about: I left it for my son, a light to shine at nite.

The New York Times

If it has any shine at all, it still has finish.

The New York Times

The sun doesn't shine at night, and often doesn't shine during the day.

The New York Times

The minute they shine at Wigan, they are tempted away to bigger clubs.

The New York Times - Sports

But even when the days seemed darkest, we have seen humanity shine at its brightest.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shine at" to emphasize a natural aptitude or developed skill that leads to noticeable success. It suggests a positive and often impressive display of ability.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "shine at" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "excel in" or "demonstrate proficiency in" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shine at" functions as a phrasal verb used to indicate excelling or performing exceptionally well in a specific area or activity. Ludwig examples show its versatility in describing various skills and talents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shine at" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe someone who excels or performs exceptionally well in a particular area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While appropriate for most situations, it may be wise to opt for more formal alternatives like "excel in" or "demonstrate proficiency in" in highly formal or academic writing. Remember to use "shine at" to emphasize someone's natural talent and impressive display of ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excel in

Replaces "shine" with a more formal verb, focusing on superior performance.

perform well in

Uses a more general verb to describe good performance.

be proficient in

Emphasizes skill and competence in a specific area.

be adept at

Highlights natural talent and skill.

stand out in

Suggests exceeding expectations within a group.

be remarkable in

Indicates exceptional performance deserving of attention.

flourish in

Implies thriving and succeeding in a particular environment or activity.

be distinguished in

Focuses on achieving recognition for outstanding achievements.

triumph in

Emphasizes victory or success after overcoming challenges.

dominate in

Suggests complete control and superiority in a specific area.

FAQs

How can I use "shine at" in a sentence?

The phrase "shine at" is used to describe someone who excels or performs very well in a particular area. For example, "She really "shines at" public speaking".

What are some alternatives to "shine at"?

You can use alternatives such as "excel in", "perform well in", or "be proficient in" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "shine at" in formal writing?

While "shine at" is widely understood, in formal writing it may be more appropriate to use phrases like "excel in" or "demonstrate proficiency in" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "shine at" and "good at"?

"Shine at" implies a higher level of performance and a more noticeable display of skill compared to simply being "good at". "Shine at" suggests exceptional performance.