what I excel at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what I excel at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing your strengths or areas of expertise in a personal or professional context. Example: "In my career, I have discovered what I excel at, which is project management and team leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science & Research

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These activities were part of what had led to her nontenure, but they were also clues, Conry says: "When I looked at what I excelled at and enjoyed, it was telling me to go to a different kind of institution".

Science Magazine

In what areas do I excel at my job?

WikiHow

The State Department should focus on conducting diplomacy, which is what it excels at, and USAID should do its job as development professionals with more independence, not less.

The Washington Post

That's what it excels at.

TechCrunch

In this way, automation is focused on what it excels at: finding known threats through correlation rules, ML and threat models.

Forbes

This is what happened to me, and this is what has made me excel at what I do.

Forbes

What they excel at, in baseball parlance, is "small ball".

Independent

So work on getting a good degree, find out what you excel at and if you choose a different destination, have the self-confidence to embark on it.

The Guardian

Criticism of metro coverage "misses the mark," she said, adding, "What we excel at is surprising readers, online and in print, by breaking big exclusive stories about local crime, politics and city life".

The New York Times

Assuming you understand your strengths and weaknesses, focus on what you excel at or love doing.

Forbes

It is the combination of what they excel at and what they value that creates their personality and unique career brand.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase in self-assessments to clarify your professional identity and guide your career development.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "what I excel at" can sound informal in highly professional settings. Opt for phrases like "my areas of expertise" or "my key strengths" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what I excel at" functions as a noun phrase, specifically referring to the areas or activities in which an individual demonstrates superior skill or competence. It is used to identify and highlight one's strengths, as noted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what I excel at" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe one's strengths and areas of expertise. While generally acceptable, it may be perceived as informal in certain professional contexts, where alternatives like "my areas of expertise" or "my key strengths" may be more appropriate. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase serves to highlight abilities in various scenarios, ranging from career discussions to self-assessments. Its usage is most common in news media and online articles, with other sources less frequent. Consider the context when choosing between this phrase and its more formal counterparts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what I'm good at

A simpler, more direct way to express one's abilities.

my strengths

A more general term for qualities that give someone an advantage.

the things I'm best at

Specifies the activities where one outperforms others.

my areas of expertise

Focuses on specific domains where one has deep knowledge or skill.

my forte

Emphasizes a particular strength or talent.

what I'm skilled in

Highlights proficiency in specific areas.

where I'm most competent

Highlights areas of superior ability and skill.

where I shine

Idiomatic expression indicating where one performs exceptionally well.

my proficiencies

Focuses on the state of being competent or skilled.

my talents

Refers to natural abilities or aptitudes.

FAQs

How can I use "what I excel at" in a sentence?

You can use "what I excel at" to describe your strengths or areas of expertise. For example, "In my previous role, I focused on "what I excel at": project management and team leadership".

What are some alternatives to "what I excel at"?

You can use alternatives like "my strengths", "my areas of expertise", or "my forte" depending on the context.

Is "what I excel at" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what I excel at" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more professional alternatives like "my areas of expertise" or "my key strengths".

How do I identify "what I excel at"?

Reflect on your past experiences, seek feedback from others, and consider what activities you find both enjoyable and successful. Identifying "what I excel at" can help guide your career and personal development.