What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fluency
Example
She speaks Spanish with fluency. [fluency: noun]
Example
He is fluent in French and can hold a conversation easily. [fluent: adjective]
proficiency
Example
Her proficiency in English allowed her to write a professional report. [proficiency: noun]
Example
He has achieved a high level of proficiency in Mandarin after years of study. [proficient: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fluency is more commonly used than proficiency in everyday language. Fluency is a term that is often used to describe language ability in casual conversation, while proficiency is more commonly used in academic or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fluency and proficiency?
While fluency is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, proficiency is more formal and is often used in academic or professional contexts to describe language ability.
