competent in English vs competent at English

Both 'competent in English' and 'competent at English' are commonly used and accepted phrases. They are interchangeable and convey the same meaning. The choice between 'in' and 'at' is a matter of personal preference, and both are correct in this context.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 2917 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"competent in English"

This phrase is used to indicate proficiency or skill in the English language.

Examples:

She is competent in English and French.
To work in this field, you need to be competent in English.
Being competent in English is essential for international communication.

Show examples from the web [+]

Applications for a national authorisation which involve a mutual recognition procedure may be submitted to the competent authority in English, including the documents referred to in Article 18(1).
The large numbers of young, well-educated Indians who are cheap to employ and speak competent English represent a great asset to their country.
'Competent' is a better rendition than 'appropriate' in English because it removes any suggestion of opportunism.
Item 12 The same sentence in English and its full and precise translation into such other languages as the competent authority deems appropriate.
The qualification certificate shall be printed in English and in any other language(s) determined by the competent authority.
It is critical that in the case of applications involving subsequent mutual recognition procedures the application and all related documents are accepted in English by the receiving competent authority.
Moreover, the positions adopted by the competent committees as a rule exist only in English, thereby preventing many Members from really understanding the extent of the proposed measures.
Meetings are conducted in English and most documents are also in English.
His ability in English is above average.
Participating parliaments will receive conference documents in English or French.
This recruitment notice is published in English and French only.
Aviation data may remain in English.
In English, fear is something we conquer.
You sit behind me in English lit.
Almost any word in English can be verbed.
Not in English cricket, anyway.
I used inappropriate language in English class.
Export certificates shall be completed in English.
[IN ENGLISH] Please forgive.
The three documents making up the application must be drafted in English, French or German (though preferably in English).

Alternatives:

skilled in English
proficient in English
adept in English
fluent in English
knowledgeable in English

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"competent at English"

This phrase is also used to indicate proficiency or skill in the English language.

Examples:

He is competent at English and Spanish.
The students are competent at English grammar.
Being competent at English is a valuable skill.

Show examples from the web [+]

The large numbers of young, well-educated Indians who are cheap to employ and speak competent English represent a great asset to their country.
Applications for a national authorisation which involve a mutual recognition procedure may be submitted to the competent authority in English, including the documents referred to in Article 18(1).
Only a third grade proficiency at English.
I was always good at English.
Yes. I'm really good at English.
I was at English court when Elizabeth sanctioned a conspiracy against Mary.
So, Candice is just amazing at English?
I hear you like school and that you're good at English.
Yujin? He grew up in America so he was good at English.
Information you gained plotting against us at English court?
You're supposed to be pretty good at English, even if you are younger than me.
Charlotte is really good at English and she can help both of us on this presentation.
He was a teacher at English schools in affluent neighbourhoods
Good, how are you at English Lit?
How come you're so good at math but not at English?
Your Honor, the question is whether or not Hettinger... is mentally competent at this time.
Well, it's in a rather tightly focused group of things I'm actually competent at.
The practical assessment element shall cover the practical training and determine whether the student is competent at using tools and equipment and working in accordance with maintenance manuals.
Thus, Parliament believes that the simplification of the recovery procedures and better coordination between the Commission services and those competent at national level constitute a crucial line of work.
You weren't good at English in middle school, either.

Alternatives:

skilled at English
proficient at English
adept at English
fluent at English
knowledgeable at English

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competent in English vs competent at English