to excel in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to excel in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone’s exceptional performance or skill in a particular area or subject. Example: "She has always strived to excel in her studies, consistently achieving top grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are areas we'll look to excel in.

The Guardian - Sport

"We want them to excel in the courses.

The New York Times

When he wanted to excel in college, he aced exams.

The New York Times - Sports

The expectations to excel in both roles were unrealistic.

The Guardian

are not going to excel in the 50," Biondi said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I just want to excel in my career," he said.

The New York Times

American brand Merrell seems to excel in the latter.

The Guardian - Arts

Sotomayor responded by figuring out how to excel in school.

The New York Times - Books

Once again, Beem showed something special -- an ability to excel in situations where most people fold.

The New York Times - Sports

Do you have the genetic makeup to excel in sprint events?

The Guardian

Surely it's better to excel in one field than muddle through in several.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to excel in" to highlight someone's ability to perform exceptionally well in a specific domain. For example, "She strives to excel in mathematics and science."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "excel in" with "excel at". While both are acceptable, "excel in" is typically used for broader domains, whereas "excel at" often refers to specific tasks or skills. For example: "He excels at problem-solving", not "He excels in problem-solving".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to excel in" functions as an infinitive phrase acting as an adverbial, modifying a verb by describing the purpose or aim of an action. As shown by Ludwig, the expression indicates the intent to achieve a high standard of performance or skill within a specified field or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to excel in" is a versatile and widely used expression, indicating the pursuit of high achievement within a specific area. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct, and its frequency of use labels it as "very common", making it suitable for various contexts from academic and professional to general communication. While generally neutral in tone, it conveys a sense of ambition and intent. As highlighted by Ludwig, related phrases include "to thrive in" and "to be outstanding in". Remember to use "excel in" for broader domains and "excel at" for specific tasks to ensure precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be outstanding in

Emphasizes exceptional quality and distinction, differing slightly in its focus on inherent qualities.

to thrive in

Emphasizes growth and flourishing within a specific environment or activity, differing slightly in connotation from simply achieving excellence.

to flourish in

Similar to "thrive", it suggests vigorous growth and success, perhaps with a stronger sense of outward display of achievement.

to be proficient in

Highlights a high degree of competence and skill, offering a slightly more formal and technical tone.

to prosper in

Highlights material success and advancement within a particular field, adding a financial dimension.

to shine in

Focuses on standing out and being noticed for exceptional qualities or performance, emphasizing visibility.

to exceed expectations in

Highlights surpassing predicted or anticipated levels of achievement, emphasizing exceeding limits.

to triumph in

Highlights overcoming challenges and achieving victory, adding an element of struggle and success.

to dominate in

Suggests a position of control and superiority, differing in its implication of authority and influence.

to master

Focuses on acquiring complete knowledge or skill, shifting the emphasis from performance to competence.

FAQs

How can I use "to excel in" in a sentence?

Use "to excel in" to describe someone's ability to perform exceptionally well in a specific area or field. For example, "She has a strong desire "to excel in" her chosen profession." or "The company provides training programs "to excel in" customer service".

What are some alternatives to "to excel in"?

You can use alternatives like "to thrive in", "to be outstanding in", or "to shine in" depending on the context.

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

Both "excel in" and "excel at" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Excel in" is used for broader areas, while "excel at" is used for specific tasks. For example, you might "excel in" a subject like history, but "excel at" a skill like writing.

What does it mean to have a desire "to excel in" something?

Having a desire "to excel in" something means wanting to perform exceptionally well, to achieve a high level of competence, and to stand out in that particular area. It suggests a strong motivation to succeed and to be recognized for one's abilities.