Adept IN, WITH or AT? What is the correct preposition?

Vocabulary / By

Adept means to have a good level in something where you have more than intermediate skills but at the same time you are not an expert.

We usually use the preposition “at” with “adept” but “in” and “with” can also be used.We use adept with “at” for something specific and “in” for a general area. We use “adept with” when describing our skills with tools. 

Examples:

I am adept in Chinese and Japanese.

They have to be adept with knives

She is adept at taking down the Christmas tree.

Adept In

We use “adept in” when talking about a subject in general.  We often use the preposition “in” to talk about certain fields of study or disciplines.

If you are describing a subject that can be broken down into subcategories, then “in” is a better preposition to use.

Examples:

He is adept in the field of science.

They are adept in Math.

Adept At

We use “Adept at” in a context where we are talking about something specific. 

Examples:

He is adept at grammar.

They are adept at algebra.

Adept With

We use “Adept with” when we want to describe the tools we use(especially with our hands).

He is adept with a chainsaw.

I am adept with Microsoft excel.

How can you use adept?

Adept is a perfectly acceptable word to use especially in the context of skills. 

If you are writing a resumé, then “Adept” is good to use but there are some better ways to show that you have high-level skills.

Examples:

Adept with Microsoft Office

Adept with Microsoft Office

Excellent at problem solving and using Microsoft Office Products

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose “Adept in”, “Adept at” or “Adept with” depends on the context.There is not an exact grammar rule so it is important to note that people may not use the “right” preposition in the same context every time. For example, it can be very subjective to choose whether to use “with” or “in” with computer technology and both will generally be accepted.   

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