very competent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very competent" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The new employee proved to be very competent in handling challenging tasks and meeting deadlines.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very competent.

Harvard Business Review

They're very competent people".

The New York Times - Science

Technically very competent.

The Guardian

"He's a very competent doctor".

The New York Times

I believe he is very competent.

The New Yorker

The crew was also very competent.

The New York Times - Travel

"But Related is a very competent firm".

The New York Times

She was clearly a very competent designer".

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes that person is very competent.

The Guardian

This young man is looking very competent.

The Guardian - Sport

They're very competent, they're very good.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very competent" to describe someone who consistently demonstrates a high level of skill and effectiveness in their work or activities.

Common error

Avoid using "very competent" with verbs that already imply competence. For example, instead of saying "They very competently managed the project", consider "They expertly managed the project" for stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very competent" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, intensifying the adjective "competent". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It typically describes someone's ability or skill level.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very competent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that intensifies the meaning of "competent". Ludwig AI analysis confirms its common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, business and academic writing. The phrase serves to express a high degree of skill or ability. While many alternative phrases exist, "very competent" provides a clear and straightforward way to communicate someone's proficiency. To maximize impact, avoid redundancy by pairing it with strong verbs and consider alternative phrasing for nuanced descriptions. As Ludwig AI suggests, being "very competent" means consistently demonstrating a high level of skill and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly skilled

Focuses on the level of skill possessed.

extremely capable

Emphasizes the ability to do things effectively.

proficient

Highlights the expertise in a specific area.

adept

Suggests a natural talent or quickness in learning.

accomplished

Indicates a proven track record of success.

qualified

Stresses the possession of necessary qualifications.

experienced

Emphasizes the knowledge gained over time.

knowledgeable

Focuses on the extent of knowledge possessed.

effective

Highlights the ability to achieve desired outcomes.

resourceful

Suggests the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "very competent" in a sentence?

You can use "very competent" to describe someone's abilities. For example, "She is a "very competent leader"" or "He's a "very competent doctor"".

What are some alternatives to "very competent"?

Alternatives include "highly skilled", "extremely capable", or "proficient" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "very competent"?

While "competent" alone implies a good level of skill, "very competent" emphasizes an exceptional level of ability. It's not necessarily redundant if you want to highlight someone's superior skills.

Can "very competent" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "very competent" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe someone's capabilities in various contexts, from business to academia.