well at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well at" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express proficiency or capability in a specific area, but it requires additional context to be meaningful. Example: "She performs well at her job, consistently exceeding expectations."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did well at Mass.

The New Yorker

He sleeps well at night.

The New Yorker

Well, at least until now.

Independent

Things went well at first.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm quite well at present.

The New Yorker

Well at least by 2015.

Independent

BETTMAN: Well, at some point.

The New York Times

Everything went well at first.

The New York Times

Gifts doing well at Christmas?

Independent

"She eats well at home," Paul said.

The New Yorker

"I didn't play well at all".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the ambiguous phrase "well at", clarify your meaning by using more precise expressions such as "proficient in", "skilled at", or "excels in" to convey expertise or success within a specific area.

Common error

Avoid using "well at" as a standalone phrase to describe someone's abilities. This can lead to confusion. Instead, ensure it's part of a complete, grammatically correct sentence that clearly indicates the context of their skill, such as "performs well at" or "does well at".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well at" functions primarily as part of a longer adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun by indicating proficiency or success in a specific domain. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase often needs additional context to be grammatically sound. Examples include "performs well at" or "does well at".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "well at" is frequently encountered, it is often part of larger expressions and not grammatically complete on its own. As Ludwig AI indicates, context is crucial for understanding its intended meaning, which typically relates to proficiency or success. For clearer and more professional communication, consider alternatives like "proficient in" or "skilled at". Although the phrase appears across various domains, including news and media, opting for more precise language enhances clarity. Despite its common usage, "well at" can benefit from being replaced by stronger, more direct alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proficient in

Replaces "well at" with a direct statement of skill or expertise.

skilled in

Similar to "proficient in", it emphasizes developed ability.

adept at

Indicates a natural talent or quickness in learning something.

excels in

Highlights exceptional performance in a specific area.

thrives in

Suggests a context where someone flourishes and performs well.

successful in

Focuses on achieving desired outcomes or results.

competent in

Indicates a satisfactory level of skill and knowledge.

performs admirably in

Emphasizes the commendable nature of the performance.

does a great job in

A more informal way to express successful performance.

functions effectively within

Highlights operational success within a specific framework.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "well at" to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, replace "well at" with phrases like "proficient in", "skilled at", or "adept at", which directly express ability or competence.

Is it grammatically correct to use "well at" in a sentence?

While "well at" appears in various contexts, it is not always grammatically complete on its own. It often requires additional words to form a coherent phrase, such as "performs well at" or "does well at". Consider using stronger alternatives like "excels in" or "thrives in" for clarity.

What are some alternatives to "doing well at" something?

Instead of "doing well at", you could say "succeeding in", "achieving success in", or "making progress in". These alternatives provide a clearer and more descriptive indication of successful performance.

How does the formality of a situation affect my choice of words instead of "well at"?

In formal settings, opt for phrases like "competent in" or "proficient in". For more casual situations, "good at" or "excels in" may be suitable, depending on the level of expertise you wish to convey.