skilful in

USAGE SUMMARY

"skilful in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular skill or activity. Example: She is skilful in playing the piano, having won several awards for her performances.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The film is skilful in sketching them all in.

Independent

It is more than being very skilful in boxing.

The Guardian - Film

But his father was also skilful in manipulating the factions that make up the Congolese army.

The Economist

Mr Bush's team has been skilful in raising questions about the senator.

The Economist

So far, Mr Bush has been lucky or skilful in this regard.

The Economist

It was a swivel as skilful in its own way as Cruyff's had been.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Therefore, before integration proceeds, skilful in-service training is mandatory for the health workers so as to enable proper assessment and treatment of a person with mental illness".

BMC Health Services Research

Mr Sanan is a skilful political in-fighter who has twice engineered the Democrat Party's ascent to power by strong-arming members of other parties into joining its coalitions.

The Economist

Batting first, Australia were reduced to 160/9 despite an innings of 63 by Giffen; but then Scott and Boyle added 69 for the final wicket, Wisden reporting that Scott played "cool, confident, skilful cricket" in an innings of 75.

Wikipedia

Leopold's own assessment, written a few months later, was similarly effusive: "My little girl, although only 12 years old, is one of the most skilful players in Europe and, in a word, my boy knows more in his eighth year than one would expect for a man of forty".

Wikipedia

GETTING a top job in Europe requires skilful riding in a political steeplechase designed to trip up all but the surest-footed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "skilful in", ensure that the noun following 'in' clearly specifies the area of expertise. For example, "skilful in negotiation" is more precise than "skilful in business".

Common error

Avoid vague or overly broad descriptions of the skill. Instead of saying someone is "skilful in life", specify the particular area where they excel, such as "skilful in interpersonal relationships" or "skilful in problem-solving".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skilful in" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something possessing expertise or proficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes proficiency in a skill or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skilful in" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe proficiency or expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately portrays competence across diverse contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific articles, indicating its widespread applicability and neutral register. Related phrases such as "adept at" and "proficient in" offer nuanced alternatives, while being mindful of overgeneralization ensures precise communication. Overall, "skilful in" is a reliable choice for conveying expertise, and the examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage in various authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skilled at

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on learned ability.

expert at

This implies a recognized authority and exceptional skill.

adept at

This alternative emphasizes natural talent and quickness in learning.

proficient in

This alternative suggests a high degree of competence acquired through training or practice.

accomplished in

This indicates a high level of achievement and expertise.

masterful in

This implies a very high level of skill and control.

talented in

This emphasizes a natural aptitude or gift.

experienced in

This highlights practical knowledge and expertise gained over time.

competent in

This suggests a basic level of adequacy, rather than exceptional skill.

versed in

This suggests thorough knowledge and familiarity.

FAQs

How can I use "skilful in" in a sentence?

You can use "skilful in" to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular skill or area. For example, "She is "skilful in negotiation"" or "He is "skilful in data analysis"".

What are some alternatives to "skilful in"?

Some alternatives to "skilful in" include "adept at", "proficient in", "skilled at", or "competent in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "skilful in" the same as "skilled in"?

"Skilful in" and "skilled in" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Skilled in" might be slightly more common in contemporary usage, but both convey the same meaning of possessing expertise in a particular area.

Which preposition should I use after "skilful", "in" or "at"?

Both "skilful in" and "skilful at" are grammatically correct. Although interchangeable, the expression "skilful in" is best to describe someone's capabilities to do things, and is more common in British English.