[Grammar] To be good at/ To be good in.

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Dear members and teachers:


I would like to know the following in relation to the usage of TO BE GOOD AT and TO BE GOOD IN:


1) Can be good at and be good in be used interchangeably?

a - I'm good at teaching English.

b - I'm good in teaching English.

c - I'm good at English.

d - I'm good in English.

I think be good at is followed by a verb in its gerund form and be good in by a noun as below:

a - I'm good at teaching English.

b - I'm good in English.


Asking for your assistance and help in this matter.
 

Ali Hsn

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Hello!

*I AM NOT A TEACHER OR NATIVE.*

The gist of what I've learnt and often seen and read is as follows:
If by saying "English", we mean English language, we use "good at". But if it means English as a school subject or a field of study, we use "good in".

For example, if Mr. Chang speaks English fluently, "he is very good at English."
If Mr. Chang has taken an English language course in a university and he is a good student in this course, we say: "Mr. Chang is good in English."
 
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Joined
Sep 4, 2013
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
Spanish
Home Country
Dominican Republic
Current Location
Dominican Republic
Thank you for your answer Ali Hsn:


I'm not quite sure; it may be possible, but it seems to me each meaning is as follows:

I) - To be good at doing something.

II) - To be good in something.


Okay Ali, let's wait for others members or teachers reply.
 
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