strong suit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong suit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe what someone excels at, or a particular ability or skill they have. For example, "Marketing is not my strong suit, but I excel at customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Desserts are another strong suit.

The New York Times

It's my strong suit.

The New York Times

Not my strong suit.

The Guardian

BERTIE: Timing isn't my strong suit.

The New York Times

Decorating was not his strong suit.

The New Yorker

Apps are the iPad's strong suit.

The New York Times

Reflection is not Paulson's strong suit.

The New York Times

The appetizers here are a strong suit.

The New Yorker

Beware: Grammar is not his strong suit.

The New Yorker

Restraint has never been my strong suit.

The New York Times

Sophia's hospitality is its strong suit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's skills, use "strong suit" to emphasize a particular area where they excel, adding specificity to their overall abilities.

Common error

Avoid using "strong suit" to describe a general preference or interest; it should denote a demonstrable skill or ability. For instance, instead of saying "Eating is my strong suit", which is comical, use it to describe something you're good at such as "Negotiating contracts is my strong suit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong suit" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a particular skill, talent, or area of expertise in which someone excels. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage. Examples show it describing various aptitudes, from desserts being a restaurant's "strong suit" to math being an individual's.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strong suit" is a common and correct way to describe an area of particular skill or expertise. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals that it's primarily used in neutral to slightly informal contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound, remember that more formal alternatives may exist for academic or professional settings. Use "strong suit" to add specificity when discussing abilities. Avoid using it for general preferences; reserve it for demonstrable skills. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately use "strong suit" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strength

A more general term for a positive attribute or capability.

forte

A concise synonym indicating a particular strength or talent.

specialty

Indicates a specific area of focus and skill.

proficiency

Highlights advanced skills or knowledge in a particular area.

area of expertise

Replaces "strong suit" with a more formal and direct description of skill.

area of competence

A more formal alternative that emphasizes the ability to perform a task effectively.

competence

Stresses the ability to perform a task effectively.

skill

Emphasizes proficiency gained through practice and experience.

talent

Focuses on innate abilities rather than acquired skills.

aptitude

Highlights a natural inclination or potential for success.

FAQs

How can I use "strong suit" in a sentence?

You can use "strong suit" to describe an area where someone excels. For example, "Math has always been my "strong suit"", or "Customer service is not my "strong suit"".

What are some alternatives to saying "strong suit"?

Alternatives include "area of expertise", "forte", "strength", or "specialty", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "strong suit" in formal writing?

Yes, "strong suit" is acceptable in both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives like "area of expertise" may be preferred in certain contexts.

What does it mean when someone says something isn't their "strong suit"?

It means that they don't excel in that particular area. It implies a lack of skill or aptitude in that specific domain, such as "Grammar is not my "strong suit"".