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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 literate
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"well literate" is not a correct or usable phrase in written English.
To describe someone as literate, you would say that they are "well-read" or "well-educated." For example, "She is a well-educated and well-read lawyer."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
For somebody like Wei Ziqi — pragmatic as well as literate — law is a natural subject of interest.
News & Media
Respondents from urban areas were more likely to possess mobile phones compared to those in rural areas (OR = 1.51: 95% CI = 1.03-2.23) as well as literate respondents compared those unable to read (OR = 3.74; 95%: 2.46-5.69).
Science
In the search for an origin of ritual, research turned from the well-known literate cultures to those that appeared to be less complex and preliterate.
Encyclopedias
"The Jane Austen Book Club" is such a well-acted, literate adaptation of Karen Joy Fowler's 2004 best seller that your impulse is to forgive it for being the formulaic, feel-good chick flick that it is.
News & Media
In order to stay current in this business, in a city like New York, you have to be well-read, literate, so as a practice you have to try all the new restaurants, in the same way that I buy just about every cookbook, just to know what's going on.
News & Media
(Scott) 'THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB' (PG-13, 105 minutes) You can question the movie's conceit that the novels of Jane Austen are an ideal guidebook to personal fulfillment for the modern American woman, but it is such a well-acted, literate adaptation of Karen Joy Fowler's 2004 bestseller that your impulse is to forgive it for being the formulaic, feel-good chick flick that it is.
News & Media
A poor person can be deprived of a future life as a well-nourished, literate, decently employed person.
It also offers a publisher's dream demographic well-off, literate people with a yen for the written word.
News & Media
Expect to hear more from e-Literate as well as e-Literate TV not only on the ALMAP awardees and their progress, but also from the general field of personalized and adaptive learning.
Academia
They suggested that a non-literate individual was able to understand this information as well as a literate individual when it was discussed in their own language.
Science
His father, Benedetto de' Franceschi, was apparently a tanner and shoemaker, prosperous enough for his son to become well educated and literate in Latin.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of "well literate", use "well-read" or "well-educated" to describe someone with strong literacy skills.
Common error
Avoid using "well" directly before "literate". Use compound adjectives like "well-read" or "well-educated" for correct grammar.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "well literate" is intended to function as an adjective describing someone who possesses a high level of literacy. However, based on Ludwig and standard English grammar, this is an incorrect usage. Correct alternatives include "well-read" or "well-educated".
Frequent in
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Less common in
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "well literate" is not a standard or grammatically correct expression in English. As confirmed by Ludwig, more appropriate alternatives to describe someone with strong literacy skills include "well-read" or "well-educated". While the intent might be to emphasize a high degree of literacy, sticking to established phrases ensures clarity and correctness. It's crucial to use compound adjectives like "well-read" or "well-educated" to maintain grammatical accuracy and avoid confusion. Using the correct alternatives enhances communication and positions you as a more articulate speaker or writer.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
well-read
Focuses on the breadth of someone's reading experience.
widely read
Similar to "well-read" but emphasizes the scope of reading material.
well-educated
Highlights the formal education received.
highly literate
Emphasizes a high degree of literacy.
knowledgeable
Emphasizes having knowledge, not just reading ability.
learned
Suggests a deep and extensive acquisition of knowledge.
erudite
Implies extensive knowledge, often of an academic nature.
cultivated
Suggests refinement through education and learning.
well-informed
Highlights awareness of current events and relevant information.
scholarly
Implies a deep engagement with academic study.
FAQs
What's the correct way to say someone is literate?
Instead of "well literate", use the phrases "well-read" or "well-educated" to describe someone who is literate.
Is "well literate" grammatically correct?
No, "well literate" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing would be "well-read" or "highly literate".
What does it mean to be "well-read"?
To be "well-read" means that you have read a lot of books and are very knowledgeable.
Are there other words to describe someone who is very literate?
Yes, you can also use terms like "knowledgeable", "erudite", or "learned" to describe someone who is very literate, depending on the specific context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested