Good at – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase “good at” describes a person’s proficiency or skillfulness in performing certain tasks, activities, or subjects. It is typically used as an adjective phrase within English grammar to modify nouns. For example, “She is good at painting.”
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
Below are some core synonyms for the phrase “good at,” including brief definitions and example sentences:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled in | Indicates formal or professional proficiency. | “He is skilled in software development.” | Formal, Professional |
| Proficient at | Suggests a high level of competence. | “She is proficient at playing the violin.” | Academic, Business |
| Talented in | Often implies natural ability. | “He’s talented in mathematics and science.” | Informal, Creative |
| Adept at | Conveys adeptness or dexterity in a task. | “She is adept at handling difficult negotiations.” | Formal, Business |
| Competent in | Implies adequacy but often suggests higher ability. | “He is competent in managing large teams.” | Formal, Professional |
| Skilled with | Similar to ‘skilled in’ but can apply to tools. | “She’s skilled with graphic design software.” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Skilled in: Best used in contexts where formal recognition of ability is necessary, such as resumes or professional profiles.
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Example: In business reports, you might say, “Our team is skilled in customer service.”
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Proficient at: Suitable for academic and professional settings where demonstrating a high level of competence is important.
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Example: In academic papers, one might write, “Participants were proficient at the tasks after training.”
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Talented in: More informal, often used to acknowledge inherent abilities or gifts.
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Example: In casual conversations, you might say, “She’s really talented in singing.”
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Adept at: Ideal for describing someone who is particularly effective at managing complex situations.
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Example: In creative writing, one could note, “The detective was adept at piecing together clues.”
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Competent in: Conveys that a person meets the necessary standards to perform well.
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Example: In workplace evaluations, you might find, “She is competent in project management.”
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Skilled with: Commonly used when referring to one’s ability to use tools or equipment effectively.
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Example: During training sessions, an instructor may state, “Be sure to be skilled with the new machinery.”
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake is using these synonyms interchangeably without considering context. While all suggest a level of proficiency, they differ in connotation and intensity:
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Skilled vs. Talented: ‘Skilled’ often implies learned expertise, whereas ‘talented’ suggests natural ability.
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Proficient vs. Competent: ‘Proficient’ typically denotes a higher standard than ‘competent.’
Final Recap
In summary, while “good at” is the common phrase for indicating someone’s proficiency, synonyms like “skilled in,” “proficient at,” “talented in,” “adept at,” “competent in,” and “skilled with” offer nuanced alternatives that fit different contexts. Each synonym carries specific connotations ranging from natural ability to formal qualification.
Encouraging readers to practice using these words in context can significantly enhance their vocabulary and communication skills. Try substituting “good at” with the synonyms above in sentences or during conversations to see how they alter the meaning slightly but effectively!