English UsageGrammar guide

Strong In: Standard Pattern

Strong In: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.

Quick answer

Use “strong in” when describing strength or ability in a subject or field where that construction is idiomatic.

Key details

Confusion Familyusage-construction
Rule Familyadjective or complement construction
Termsstrong in

Further guidance

Construction

Use “strong in” when describing strength or ability in a subject or field where that construction is idiomatic.

Style Boundary

Cambridge directly contrasts “strong in” a subject with weak at/in another; do not turn that attestation into a ban on other documented strong constructions.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. WEAK | English meaning — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct Cambridge dictionary evidence contrasting weak at/in a subject with strong in another subject.

Related guides

English Usage

Ablaze With: Standard Pattern

Ablaze With: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.

English Usage

Abound In or With: Standard Pattern

Abound In or With: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.

English Usage

Absorbed In: Standard Pattern

Absorbed In: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.

English Usage

Acceptable To: Standard Pattern

Acceptable To: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.

English Usage

Accessible To: Standard Pattern

Accessible To: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.

English Usage

Acclaimed For: Standard Pattern

Acclaimed For: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.

Explore the topic