show proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

"show proficiency" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express someone displaying a certain degree of knowledge about a certain subject. For example, "In order to obtain a degree in finance, the student must show proficiency in mathematics and economics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Louganis insists his divers show proficiency in one fundamental before moving on to the next.

The New York Times - Sports

Nationwide, more students show proficiency in math and English than in science, and the city has scored closer to the national average on those tests than in science.

The New York Times

Chancellor Harold O. Levy acknowledged that the results were "a mixed bag," especially considering that more than half of the 300,000 students who took the citywide reading tests in April failed to show proficiency in state and city standards.

The New York Times

A16 Hearing on Federalism Case The Clinton administration, joining a challenge to an Alabama requirement that driver license applicants show proficiency in English, urged the Supreme Court not to repudiate years of legal precedents that have permitted individuals to sue states to prevent violations of federal civil rights regulations.

The New York Times

The average city student this year answered about the same number of questions correctly as last year, but state education officials said that the number required to pass the tests, or show proficiency, had been set too low before this year.

The New York Times

Rationalization IC Students are expected to show proficiency in explaining why a low grade is actually a good grade and must also be able to illustrate that certain teachers have always had it in for this student and everyone in the entire class did badly on the test and besides the teacher is an impossible grader and he doesn't like believe in giving even B's.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In language arts, 55percentt were proficient or higher (compared with 42percentt statewide) and in science, 93percentt showed proficiency or above (compared with 86percentt statewide).

The New York Times

At Intermediate School 75, 64percentt of eighth graders showed proficiency in reading and 69percentt in math.

The New York Times

The first chart shows proficiency in literacy among sixteen-to-twenty-four-year-olds.

The New Yorker

Schools Chancellor Harold O. Levy created the new immersion program for people who showed proficiency in mathematics.

The New York Times

In New Jersey the percentage of fourth and eighth graders showing proficiency in math has risen significantly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show proficiency", specify the area of expertise to provide context and clarity. For example, "show proficiency in data analysis" is more informative than just "show proficiency".

Common error

Avoid using "show proficiency" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "be good at" or "know how to" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show proficiency" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of demonstrating a particular skill or level of competence. As Ludwig AI's analysis suggests, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show proficiency" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies demonstrating competence or skill in a particular area. According to Ludwig AI's analysis, it's most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to specify the area of expertise for clarity. While alternatives like ""demonstrate competence"" or "exhibit expertise" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Avoid overusing the phrase in casual settings, opting for simpler language instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate competence

Replaces "show proficiency" with a more formal tone, emphasizing demonstrated ability.

exhibit expertise

Highlights a high level of skill, shifting the focus from demonstration to possession of knowledge.

display mastery

Implies comprehensive knowledge and control, elevating the level of competence.

prove capability

Focuses on establishing ability, suggesting a need to validate one's skills.

evidence skill

Emphasizes the presentation of evidence to support a claim of skill.

establish competence

Highlights the act of setting up or validating a certain level of skill.

illustrate aptitude

Showcases a natural ability or talent, suggesting inherent potential.

reveal know-how

Emphasizes practical knowledge and technical ability.

perform skillfully

Shifts the focus to the action and the quality of performance.

handle adeptly

Focuses on skillful management and execution of tasks.

FAQs

How can I use "show proficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "show proficiency" to describe someone demonstrating skill or competence in a particular area. For example, "The applicant must "demonstrate competence" in programming to be considered for the role".

What's the difference between "show proficiency" and "exhibit expertise"?

"Show proficiency" generally means demonstrating a basic level of competence. "Exhibit expertise" implies a higher level of skill and specialized knowledge.

What are some alternatives to "show proficiency"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""demonstrate competence"", "display mastery", or "evidence skill" instead of "show proficiency".

Is it always necessary to specify the area when using "show proficiency"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the area where proficiency is demonstrated greatly improves clarity and provides crucial context for the reader.