skilled at using

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skilled at using" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in utilizing a particular tool, skill, or method. Example: "She is skilled at using advanced software to analyze data effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Many people there are skilled at using weapons, he said.

The New York Times

Skilled at using the media to promote his schemes, Young always shrank from personal publicity.

The Guardian

Boras is skilled at using one team's offer against another's to boost a player's value.

The New York Times

His cabinet choices are pedigreed and skilled at using the government to their profit advantage.

The Guardian - Opinion

They had sources in government and they were skilled at using them.

The New Yorker

"It's high-quality equipment that they're actually very technically skilled at using, in a way that the other rebels aren't.

The Guardian

They are skilled at using bad facts to influence judges' application of precedents unfavorable on their face.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That company also has contracts with large outfits, like Citibank and Toyota, and it is skilled as well at using its child-care business as a basis to provide family support, elder care and other services to companies.

The New York Times

Maybe we have to look to a younger generation, people who are either not academics, or have a very tenuous or marginal position in the academic world and are very skilled or adept at using elements of the new technology to build a different kind of platform than the one they would get inside the bubble of official commentary.

The Guardian

Experiments have demonstrated that selection against aggression in mammals leads to the domestication syndrome and that this selection also effects social problem solving abilities (e.g. dogs but not wolves are skilled at spontaneously using human social cues).

Duke University

Skilled film photographers are adept at using a ratio of shutter speed to aperture -- how wide the shutter opens, measured in f-stops -- to get the desired depth of field, the range over which the image will be in focus.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, pair "skilled at using" with specific examples to illustrate their proficiency. For example, "She is skilled at using data analysis software to identify market trends."

Common error

Avoid using "skilled at using" when a simpler word like "proficient" or "good at" would suffice. Save it for situations where the skill level is truly noteworthy or complex. For instance, instead of saying "He is skilled at using a pen", consider "He has good handwriting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skilled at using" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's proficiency in utilizing a particular tool, method, or technique. This description is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skilled at using" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase to describe someone's proficiency with a particular tool or technique. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted. The phrase enjoys frequent usage in diverse contexts, spanning from news and media to academic research. Remember to use it precisely, coupling it with specific examples to showcase the described skill effectively. For a more formal tone, consider "proficient in utilizing", while for general competence, "good at" may be sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proficient in utilizing

Emphasizes formal competence in employing something.

adept at employing

Highlights natural talent and dexterity in using something.

expert in the application of

Suggests advanced knowledge and experience in applying something.

highly competent in the use of

Focuses on a high level of ability and effectiveness in using something.

masterful at wielding

Implies exceptional control and finesse in using something.

capable of operating

Highlights the ability to effectively operate or manage something.

well-versed in applying

Indicates extensive knowledge and experience in applying something.

experienced in handling

Emphasizes practical experience and skill in handling something.

seasoned in employing

Suggests long-term experience and refined skill in employing something.

familiar with the techniques of

Highlights knowledge and understanding of methods involved in using something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "skilled at using"?

You can use alternatives such as "proficient in utilizing", "adept at employing", or "expert in the application of", depending on the context.

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

To effectively use "skilled at using", clearly specify what the person is skilled at using and provide context to highlight the value of that skill. For example: "The technician is skilled at using diagnostic tools to quickly identify and resolve equipment malfunctions."

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

While "skilled in using" is grammatically acceptable, "skilled at using" is generally preferred and more common in contemporary English. "Skilled in" often implies a broader area of expertise, whereas "skilled at using" refers to a specific application.

In what contexts is "skilled at using" most appropriate?

"Skilled at using" is most appropriate in contexts where specific tools, techniques, or methods are being employed. It's effective in professional, academic, and technical discussions to highlight practical competence. For example, you may use it when referring to a scientist who is "skilled at using" laboratory equipment.