specialising in

USAGE SUMMARY

"specialising in" can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone who has expertise or experience in a specific area. For example: "John Smith is a lawyer specialising in bankruptcy law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A dotty academic specialising in Byzantine history.

The Guardian

Helen Clifton A Manchester-based freelance journalist specialising in social issues.

The Guardian

It will open next autumn specialising in engineering and business.

Independent

It bought firms specialising in private banking and institutional research.

The Economist

Both became academic lawyers, Lech specialising in labour law.

The Economist

He plans to become a doctor specialising in cardiovascular medicine.

Independent

Raekha Prasad A journalist specialising in social affairs.

The Guardian

Ms Saunders is a dealmaker specialising in "principal finance".

The Economist

Katharine Earley is a copywriter and journalist, specialising in sustainability.

The Guardian

Shantha David is a practising solicitor, specialising in employment law.

The Guardian

A shop, Jacob said, specialising in science fiction.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specialising in", ensure that the subject clearly possesses expertise or a focused area of study. For instance, instead of "a company specialising in things", specify "a company specialising in software development".

Common error

Avoid using "specialising in" with overly broad or vague subjects. For example, saying someone is "specialising in life" is too general. Be specific and define the area of expertise, such as "specialising in geriatric care".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specialising in" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating the area of focus or expertise. It often connects a subject with their specific field, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples like "a journalist specialising in social affairs."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

33%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Lifestyle

1%

Travel

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specialising in" is a versatile and widely used phrase to denote expertise or focused activity. As shown in the numerous examples from Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, although it is most frequently seen in "News & Media" and scientific publications. It's crucial to use it with specific subjects rather than overly broad ones and to select either "specialising" or "specializing" consistently based on the intended audience (British vs. American English). Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specializing in

This is the American English spelling variant.

expert in

Focuses on a high level of knowledge and skill in a specific area.

with a specialization in

This phrase emphasizes the formal aspect of having a specific area of expertise.

having expertise in

Highlights the possession of specialized knowledge or skill.

skilled in

This alternative highlights the ability and proficiency in a particular field.

proficient in

Similar to "skilled in", this emphasizes competence and expertise.

with skills in

This alternative focuses on the tangible abilities one possesses.

focusing on

Indicates a concentration of effort or attention on a particular subject.

concentrating on

Similar to "focusing on", suggesting a deliberate emphasis.

adept at

Implies a natural talent or quick learning ability in a specific domain.

FAQs

How do I use "specialising in" in a sentence?

Use "specialising in" to describe someone or something with expertise or a focus in a particular area. For instance, "She is a doctor "specializing in" cardiology" or "This company is "specializing in" renewable energy solutions".

What are some alternatives to "specialising in"?

You can use alternatives like "expert in", "skilled in", or "proficient in" depending on the specific context.

Is "specialising in" the same as "specializing in"?

No, "specialising in" and ""specializing in"" have the same meaning but the first one is British English and the second is American English. Choose the spelling that matches your audience.

When should I use "specialising in" over a simpler phrase like "focusing on"?

Use "specialising in" when you want to emphasize a high level of expertise or formal training in a particular field. "Focusing on" is more appropriate when describing a general area of concentration without necessarily implying deep expertise.