skilled at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skilled at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular area or activity. Example: "She is skilled at playing the piano and has performed in several concerts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Tiger Global, meanwhile, is skilled at international expansions.

The New York Times

You are skilled at navigating linear politics.

The Guardian

He is skilled at doing so.

The Guardian

You highly skilled at not working".

The New Yorker

Skilled at flying planes and helicopters.

The New York Times

"He was very skilled at it.

The New York Times - Sports

Truth was skilled at promoting herself.

The New York Times

He is especially skilled at pruning.

The New York Times

"We are skilled at emergency evacuations.

The New York Times

He's also skilled at attacking the very things he practices.

The New York Times

They're not always so skilled at articulating themselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "skilled at" followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) to clearly indicate the specific activity they excel in. For example, "She is skilled at problem-solving".

Common error

Using "skilled at" followed directly by a noun is grammatically incorrect. Instead of saying "He is skilled at engineering", use "He is skilled at practicing engineering" or "He is skilled in engineering".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skilled at" functions as an adjective phrase that describes someone's proficiency or expertise in a specific area or activity. As shown in Ludwig, it is generally followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing) to indicate the action or skill being described. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

11%

Science & Research

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "skilled at" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe someone's proficiency in a particular area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business settings. To ensure correct usage, follow "skilled at" with a gerund, and be mindful of the nuance it adds compared to simpler alternatives like "good at". When you want to highlight someone's expertise and training, "skilled at" is an excellent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adept at

Highlights natural talent and quickness in learning and performing a task.

proficient in

Emphasizes a high degree of competence and expertise, often acquired through training or practice.

competent in

Indicates a satisfactory level of skill and ability to perform a task effectively.

talented in

Suggests a natural aptitude or gift for a particular activity or skill.

experienced in

Highlights the knowledge and skills gained through practical involvement and exposure to a particular field.

accomplished in

Indicates a high level of achievement and mastery in a particular skill or area.

masterful in

Suggests exceptional skill and control, often associated with artistic or technical expertise.

highly capable in

Emphasizes the ability and potential to perform a task effectively and efficiently.

excels in

Focuses on exceptional performance and a superior level of skill in a particular area.

well-versed in

Implies a thorough knowledge and understanding of a particular subject or skill.

FAQs

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

Use "skilled at" to describe someone's proficiency in a particular activity. For example, "She is "skilled at playing the piano"" or "He is "skilled at negotiating deals"".

What are some alternatives to "skilled at"?

You can use alternatives such as "proficient in", "adept at", or "competent in" to express similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "skilled in" instead of "skilled at"?

While "skilled at" is more common, "skilled in" is also acceptable, especially when referring to a general area of expertise. However, "skilled at" is generally preferred when referring to a specific activity.

What is the difference between "skilled at" and "good at"?

"Skilled at" implies a higher level of expertise and training compared to "good at", which suggests a general aptitude or ability. Someone "skilled at" something has likely dedicated time and effort to mastering it.