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Meaning & use

proficiency with or in

phrase·Academic

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UK/prəˈfɪʃənsi wɪð ɔːr ɪn/
US/prəˈfɪʃənsi wɪð ɔːr ɪn/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Used to talk about whether 'proficiency' is followed by 'with' or 'in' when describing a skill or ability.

    Grammar: It is a question or reference phrase, not a sentence part; it asks about preposition choice after the noun 'proficiency'.

    Patterns

    • proficiency with something
    • proficiency in something
    • proficiency with or in something

    The job advertisement asks for proficiency with or in data analysis tools.

    Many learners search for 'proficiency with or in' to check which preposition sounds natural.

    Her resume says she has proficiency with spreadsheets and proficiency in Spanish.

  2. phraseidiom

    A way of asking whether a person's skill is described as proficiency with a tool or proficiency in a subject.

    Grammar: Often appears in questions or searches; in real sentences, choose one preposition: 'proficiency with Excel' or 'proficiency in mathematics'.

    Patterns

    • proficiency with a tool
    • proficiency in a subject
    • show proficiency with or in something

    You can show proficiency with a keyboard by typing quickly and accurately.

    The course measures proficiency in written English.

    Employers often look for proficiency with or in the software listed in the job description.

Common combinations

proficiency with a tool
His proficiency with a camera impressed the director.
proficiency in a language
She demonstrated proficiency in French during the interview.
proficiency with or in
The grammar guide explains proficiency with or in.
technical proficiency
Technical proficiency with the software is required.
language proficiency
The university requires language proficiency in English.

Synonyms and how they differ

skill
'Skill' is a more general word for an ability; 'proficiency' often suggests a measured or high level, especially in formal contexts.
competence
'Competence' means enough ability to do something; 'proficiency' often suggests a higher, more practiced level.
ability
'Ability' can be natural or learned; 'proficiency' usually comes from training or experience.

Opposites

incompetenceinexperience

Word family

proficient adjective
Having a good level of skill in something.
proficiently adverb
In a skilled or competent way.

Commonly confused: proficiency with or in or proficiency at? proficiency with or in or proficiency on?

proficiency with or in vs proficiency at

'Proficiency at' is used in informal speech, especially with activities ('proficiency at chess'), but 'with' or 'in' is safer in formal writing.

proficiency with or in vs proficiency on

'Proficiency on' is not standard; use 'with' for tools or 'in' for subjects.

Practice

Which sentence uses the correct preposition after 'proficiency'?

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