skillful at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'skillful at' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who possesses or displays proficiency in a specific activity or area. For example: She is skillful at creating marketing campaigns that attract customers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they were equally skillful at manipulating simple tools.

The New Yorker

But he was extraordinarily skillful at the game of diplomacy.

Yale University

Kai Islanders are skillful at wood carving and basketry and are first-class boatbuilders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

North Korea has been extremely skillful at playing on the fears of the South.

The New Yorker

The President has been skillful at using slogans and ridicule to belittle their proposals.

The New Yorker

Then again, the Japanese have always been skillful at tuning out the garishness of contemporary life.

The New Yorker

An effective teacher is skillful at creating conditions that are conducive to learning.

University of California, Berkeley

They write with a voice and are skillful at the essay-style of journalism.

The New York Times

Gates is very skillful at controlling a bureaucracy, but a war is something else.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Bush people do seem to be more skillful at public relations.

The New York Times

As a comedian, Ms. Ebersole is equally skillful at the slow take and the zinging comeback.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "skillful at", ensure the object of the preposition "at" is a gerund (verb in -ing form) or a noun that represents an activity. For example, "She is skillful at painting" or "He is skillful at negotiation."

Common error

Avoid using the infinitive form of a verb directly after "skillful at". Instead of saying "He is skillful at to negotiate", use the gerund form: "He is skillful at negotiating".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skillful at" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's level of competence or proficiency in a particular activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skillful at" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to describe competence or proficiency. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse writing contexts. To use it effectively, remember to follow it with a gerund or a noun representing the activity. While alternatives like "adept at" or "proficient in" exist, each conveys a slightly different nuance. The phrase sees frequent use in "News & Media", academic writing, encyclopedias and general conversation, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary for both formal and informal communication. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its wide applicability across various subjects and writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adept at

Implies a natural talent or quickness in learning and performing.

proficient in

Suggests a high degree of competence gained through training or practice.

talented at

Emphasizes innate ability or natural gift.

competent in

Indicates a satisfactory level of skill and knowledge.

good at

A more general and informal way of expressing ability.

experienced in

Highlights the knowledge and skills acquired through practical involvement.

accomplished in

Suggests a high level of achievement and mastery.

masterful at

Implies exceptional skill and control.

gifted in

Similar to talented, but may imply a more exceptional or unique ability.

capable of

Focuses more on the potential to perform the action successfully.

FAQs

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

Use "skillful at" to describe someone's proficiency in a specific activity or area. For instance, "She is "skillful at negotiation"" or "He is "skillful at playing the piano"".

What are some alternatives to "skillful at"?

Some alternatives include "adept at", "proficient in", or "talented at". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

While "skillful in" isn't incorrect, "skillful at" is more common and idiomatic when referring to a specific activity. "Skillful in" might be used more broadly, such as "skillful in conflict resolution".

What's the difference between "skillful at" and "skilled at"?

"Skillful" generally refers to having or showing skill, while "skilled" emphasizes having acquired skill through training or experience. So, you might say someone is "skillful at problem solving" (possessing the inherent ability) or "skilled at carpentry" (having learned the trade).