showed proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "showed proficiency" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to demonstrate or exhibit a high level of skill or competence in a particular area. Example: During the annual company evaluation, Jane showed proficiency in sales and was recognized as the top performer in her department.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 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

She showed proficiency in selling convertible bonds, corporate debt securities that can be converted into shares of stock.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

On the most recent science and history assessments, only 18 and 13 percent of 12th graders, respectively, showed proficiency.

The New York Times

At the Kipp Star College Prep School, serving Grades 5 through 8, 54 percent of the eighth graders showed proficiency in English, 95.3percentt in math.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

The third chart, the one at the top of this post, shows proficiency in problem-solving.

The New Yorker

The second chart shows proficiency in numeracy among sixteen-to-twenty-four-year-olds.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "showed proficiency" when you want to highlight a demonstrated skill or competence, especially in a specific context or evaluation. This phrase works well in reports, assessments, and descriptive narratives.

Common error

While "showed proficiency" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "was good at" or "did well in" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "showed proficiency" functions as a verb phrase indicating the demonstration of competence or skill in a particular area. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and widely recognized. The phrase highlights the act of exhibiting a certain level of expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

32%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "showed proficiency" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate the demonstration of competence or skill, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, demonstrating its versatility across different registers. While its formality makes it suitable for professional and neutral communication, it might be less appropriate in casual conversation. For alternative expressions, you can consider using "demonstrated competence" or "exhibited skill", depending on the context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "showed proficiency" in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrated competence

Focuses more on the overall ability rather than a specific skill level.

exhibited skill

Highlights the outward display of skill in a particular area.

displayed expertise

Suggests a higher level of skill and knowledge in a specialized field.

proved capable

Emphasizes the ability to perform a task or role effectively.

excelled at

Indicates a superior level of performance in a specific activity.

performed adeptly

Highlights the skillful and graceful execution of a task.

mastered the art of

Suggests a deep understanding and skill in a particular craft or discipline.

attained mastery

Focuses on the achievement of a high level of skill through learning or experience.

reached a high standard

Indicates that a specific standard was reached.

was skilled in

A more general expression of having skill in a certain area, less emphatic than "showed proficiency".

FAQs

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

You can use "showed proficiency" to indicate competence in a skill, such as "The student "showed proficiency" in data analysis" or "During the evaluation, she "showed proficiency" in project management".

What are some alternatives to "showed proficiency"?

Alternatives include "demonstrated competence", "exhibited skill", or "displayed expertise". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "showed proficiency in" or "showed proficiency at"?

"Showed proficiency in" is generally preferred when referring to a subject or area of expertise. "Showed proficiency at" can also be used, but is slightly less common. Both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "showed proficiency" and "gained proficiency"?

"Showed proficiency" indicates that someone demonstrated existing skills. "Gained proficiency" implies that someone improved their skills over time and then demonstrated their abilities. Therefore, "gained proficiency" refers to the process of obtaining skills, while "showed proficiency" refers to demonstrating those skills.