were skilled at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were skilled at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular area or activity in the past. Example: "The team members were skilled at problem-solving, which helped them overcome many challenges during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

They had sources in government and they were skilled at using them.

The New Yorker

Women who were skilled at giving — be it extra food or a well-fitted pelt — helped sustain the family provider as well as her children.

The New York Times - Health

Superficially, there are obvious similarities; both went to Oxford, were deeply influenced by their fathers, spoilt their wayward sons and were skilled at manipulating populist sentiments.

The Guardian - Books

During this period, organized-crime groups established black markets where citizens could acquire necessities, and they were skilled at dealing with the occupying Americans.

The New Yorker

Old-school water engineers were skilled at gauging the height of the dam you needed to build or the volume of water storage required.

The Guardian

Trump made explicit what Bush never had to the tinged nastiness that his operatives were skilled at breathing, anonymously, into the political air.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Tiger Global, meanwhile, is skilled at international expansions.

The New York Times

You are skilled at navigating linear politics.

The Guardian

He is skilled at doing so.

The Guardian

Truth was skilled at promoting herself.

The New York Times

"We are skilled at emergency evacuations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were skilled at", ensure that the skill being described is clearly defined and relevant to the context. Provide specific examples or details to illustrate their proficiency. For instance, instead of saying "They were skilled at negotiations", specify "They were skilled at negotiations, consistently securing favorable terms for the company."

Common error

Avoid using "were skilled at" with vague or undefined skills. For example, stating "They were skilled at management" without further clarification leaves the reader unsure of their specific management abilities. Instead, specify the particular management skills, such as "They were skilled at team building, conflict resolution, and strategic planning."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were skilled at" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high level of competence or expertise in a particular activity. Ludwig confirms this, demonstrating consistent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were skilled at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe past proficiency in various activities. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across numerous contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, making it a versatile choice for expressing expertise. To ensure clarity, always specify the skills being described. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "were skilled at" into your writing. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were adept at

Replaces "skilled" with "adept", implying a natural talent or quickness in learning.

were proficient in

Uses "proficient" instead of "skilled", suggesting a high degree of competence and mastery.

excelled in

Focuses on the idea of surpassing others in a specific skill or area.

were masters of

Implies a very high level of skill and expertise, suggesting complete command of a subject.

were talented in

Replaces "skilled" with "talented", suggesting a natural ability or gift.

were competent in

Emphasizes basic ability and capability in performing a task.

were highly capable in

Highlights a strong ability to perform a specific task or function.

were experienced in

Highlights practical knowledge and know-how acquired through practice.

were versed in

Suggests familiarity and knowledge gained through study or experience.

had a knack for

Indicates a natural, intuitive talent for something.

FAQs

How can I use "were skilled at" in a sentence?

Use "were skilled at" to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular area or activity in the past. For example, "The engineers "were skilled at" problem-solving, which helped them overcome many technical challenges."

What are some alternatives to "were skilled at"?

You can use alternatives like "were adept at", "were proficient in", or "excelled in" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "were skilled at"?

Yes, the phrase "were skilled at" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe past abilities or expertise. It follows standard grammar rules.

What's the difference between "were skilled at" and "were good at"?

"Were skilled at" implies a higher level of expertise and training compared to "were good at", which suggests a more general aptitude or talent. "Were skilled at" is often used in professional or technical contexts.