Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
well competent
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"well competent" is not an acceptable phrase in written English.
You could use the phrase "competent" by itself, or something like "highly competent." For example, you could say: "The manager was highly competent and able to handle any challenge that arose."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Although most other naturally competent bacteria will take up all double-stranded DNAs equally well, competent members of the Pasteurellaceae and Neisseria preferentially take up DNA fragments containing their respective uptake sequences.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
A wealth of research shows that female leaders, much more than male leaders, face the need to be warm and nice, as well as competent or tough.
News & Media
Some ministries, like health, perform reasonably well because competent people were found to run them and the Americans provided technical advice.
News & Media
For patients, on the other hand, they want a high quality care through the best available products and services as well as competent medical staff.
We have received e-mails and comments from many black male leaders indicating that their real-life experiences echo our findings that black leaders are required to be warm as well as competent.
News & Media
For years, county leaders have reasoned that if their jails were going to be virtual mental hospitals, they might as well be competent ones.
News & Media
Animals were cared for by well established, competent clinical veterinary and animal caretaker staff.
Science
Nevertheless, women and Elder participants described health care providers at the clinics as well trained, competent, and compassionate.
Science
In addressing these challenges, we in the international community have a great partner in the Iraqi people themselves – who represent a cadre of educated, well trained, competent and committed people.
Formal & Business
Only such coordinated action, as well as competent strategies targeting prevention, will be effective in reducing the burden and improving the clinical outcome of this devastating complication of diabetes.
Science
Bill Clinton, in this view, was a kind of Eisenhower, a well-meaning, competent man unwilling or unable to challenge the core maxims of his time.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Opt for stronger and grammatically correct alternatives such as "highly competent" or "very capable" to convey the intended meaning more effectively.
Common error
Avoid using "well" directly before adjectives when a stronger adverb like "highly" or "very" is more appropriate. "Well" often modifies verbs or past participles.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "well competent" attempts to function as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, but it's grammatically unconventional. Ludwig AI points out that this is not an acceptable phrase. A more appropriate construction would use an adverb like 'highly' to modify 'competent'.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "well competent" is grammatically incorrect and not commonly used in English. Ludwig AI identifies it as unacceptable. Instead, consider using alternatives like "highly competent" or "very capable" to express a high level of skill or ability. While the individual words are familiar, their combination doesn't form a standard or effective expression in either formal or informal contexts.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
highly competent
Emphasizes a strong degree of competence.
very capable
Indicates a high level of ability to perform tasks effectively.
extremely skilled
Highlights proficiency and expertise in a particular area.
proficient
Describes someone who is adept and skilled.
adept
Suggests skillfulness and quickness in performance.
accomplished
Highlights a history of success and competence.
qualified
Indicates that someone has the necessary qualifications and skills.
expert
Implies a high level of knowledge and skill in a specific field.
masterful
Suggests exceptional skill and control.
seasoned
Implies competence gained through extensive experience.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "well competent"?
Instead of "well competent", you can use phrases like "highly competent", "very capable", or simply "competent".
Is "well competent" grammatically correct?
No, "well competent" is not grammatically correct. It's better to use "highly competent" or another similar phrase.
How can I use "competent" correctly in a sentence?
Use "competent" as an adjective to describe someone who is capable and skilled. For example, "She is a competent manager".
What's the difference between "well competent" and "highly competent"?
"Well competent" is not standard English. "Highly competent" is grammatically correct and means very capable or skilled.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested