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B1 noun #40 most common 13 min read

experts

Top 40

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips experts in 30 Seconds

Explanation experts in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'experts' as people who are very, very good at something. They know a lot. For example, a doctor is an expert in health. A teacher is an expert in a subject. You might hear this word when people talk about jobs. If you have a big problem, you ask an expert for help. It is a plural word, so it means more than one person. You can say 'The experts are here.' It is a positive word because experts help us learn and fix things. You don't need to use it often at this level, but it is good to know it means 'very smart people' or 'people with a lot of skill.'

At the A2 level, 'experts' refers to people who have studied a lot or practiced a lot. They are not beginners. If you want to learn to play the guitar, you might watch videos of experts. In the news, you might see 'experts' talking about the weather or sports. They give advice. You can use the word with 'in' or 'at.' For example, 'They are experts at cooking.' Or 'He is an expert in computer science.' Remember that 'experts' is the plural form of 'expert.' You use it when you are talking about a group of people who all know a lot about the same thing. It is a common word in school and work.

At the B1 level, 'experts' are defined as people with specialized knowledge or skills. This word is often used in professional and academic contexts. You will see it in articles and hear it in reports. Experts are often consulted for their opinions. For example, 'The company hired experts to improve their website.' This level requires understanding that expertise comes from experience and study. You should also start to notice common phrases like 'a panel of experts' or 'according to the experts.' It's important to use the correct prepositions: 'expert in' (a field), 'expert on' (a topic), or 'expert at' (a skill). This word helps you describe people who are authorities in their fields.

At the B2 level, 'experts' is a word used to discuss credibility and authority. You should understand that being an expert involves a high level of proficiency and often formal recognition. In discussions, you might use 'experts' to support your arguments: 'Experts suggest that reducing carbon emissions is vital.' You should also be aware of the nuances between 'experts,' 'specialists,' and 'professionals.' An expert has mastered a subject, while a specialist focuses on a small part of it. At this level, you can use the word in more complex sentences, such as 'Despite the consensus among experts, the public remains skeptical.' You should also be able to identify when the word is being used to appeal to authority in an argument.

At the C1 level, 'experts' is a term that carries significant weight in discourse. You should be able to analyze the role of experts in society, including how they influence policy and public opinion. You will encounter the term in 'expert testimony' in legal contexts or 'subject matter experts' in corporate environments. At this level, you should be comfortable using synonyms like 'authorities,' 'pundits,' or 'connoisseurs' to add precision to your language. You should also understand the 'expert-layperson' divide and how experts communicate complex ideas to a general audience. Using the word 'experts' effectively involves knowing when to be specific about who the experts are and what their credentials might be, rather than using it as a vague generalization.

At the C2 level, you should have a sophisticated understanding of the concept of 'experts.' This includes the philosophical and sociological implications of expertise, such as the 'crisis of expertise' in the digital age where traditional authorities are challenged. You can use the word in highly nuanced ways, discussing the 'deliberate practice' required to reach expert status or the 'cognitive biases' that can even affect experts. You should be able to use the word in complex rhetorical structures, perhaps critiquing the 'over-reliance on experts' or discussing the 'democratization of expertise' through the internet. At this level, your use of the word and its related forms should be indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, showing a deep grasp of its various registers and connotations.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

experts in 30 Seconds

Experts are people with deep knowledge or high skills in a specific field, usually gained through years of study and practice.
They are often called upon to provide advice, solve problems, or give authoritative opinions in professional and academic settings.
The word is a plural count noun and is commonly used with prepositions like 'in,' 'on,' and 'at' to specify a field.
In modern society, experts play a crucial role in guiding policy, advancing technology, and informing the general public.

The term experts refers to individuals who possess an extraordinary depth of knowledge, a high degree of skill, or a significant level of proficiency within a specific domain. This expertise is not merely a collection of facts but a sophisticated mental framework developed through years of deliberate practice, formal education, and hands-on experience. When we call people experts, we are acknowledging their authority and their ability to solve complex problems that would baffle a layperson. In modern society, we rely on experts to navigate the complexities of science, law, technology, and art. They are the ones who interpret data, predict trends, and provide the foundational logic for major decisions in government and industry. The word is frequently used in the plural because complex issues often require a consensus among multiple knowledgeable individuals to ensure accuracy and reliability.

The Essence of Expertise: Expertise is characterized by the ability to see patterns that others miss. While a beginner sees isolated pieces of information, experts see a cohesive system. This allows them to act faster and more accurately under pressure.

The government consulted a panel of medical experts before implementing the new health policy to ensure public safety.

In conversation, the word is often used to lend weight to an argument. Phrases like 'experts say' or 'according to experts' are common rhetorical devices used to establish credibility. However, the term also carries a weight of responsibility; an expert's opinion can influence markets, change laws, or impact public health. Therefore, the designation of 'expert' is usually reserved for those with verifiable credentials or a long track record of success. We see experts in every field imaginable, from 'climate experts' discussing global warming to 'chess experts' analyzing a grandmaster's move. The versatility of the word allows it to be applied to both highly academic fields and practical, vocational skills.

Acquisition of Status: Becoming an expert typically requires what psychologists call 'deliberate practice'—thousands of hours of focused effort aimed at improving specific aspects of performance.

Cybersecurity experts are working around the clock to patch the vulnerability in the global banking system.

Furthermore, the concept of experts is central to the 'expert witness' role in legal systems. In a court of law, an expert is someone whose testimony is allowed because of their specialized knowledge, which helps the judge or jury understand technical evidence. This highlights the social function of experts: they act as bridges between complex, specialized realities and the general public's understanding. Without experts, the rapid advancement of modern technology and social structures would be impossible to manage or comprehend for the average person.

Art experts were called in to verify the authenticity of the painting discovered in the attic.

The Expert Paradox: True experts often realize how much they don't know. As their knowledge grows, so does their awareness of the complexities and unknowns within their field.

Even the world's leading experts on the subject cannot agree on the long-term effects of the new technology.

The renovation was handled by experts who specialized in historical preservation.

Using the word experts correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a plural count noun and its typical prepositional companions. Most commonly, experts are described in relation to their field using 'in,' 'on,' or 'at.' For instance, one might be an 'expert in biology,' an 'expert on the French Revolution,' or an 'expert at playing the cello.' While these prepositions are often interchangeable, 'in' usually denotes a broad field, 'on' suggests a specific topic of study, and 'at' frequently refers to a practical skill or activity. When using the plural 'experts,' we are often referring to a group or the general consensus of a professional community.

Prepositional Usage: Experts IN (Field): 'Experts in economics.' Experts ON (Topic): 'Experts on climate change.' Experts AT (Skill): 'Experts at negotiation.'

Many experts in the field of artificial intelligence believe that we are approaching a technological singularity.

The word frequently appears as the subject of verbs related to communication and analysis. Experts 'suggest,' 'recommend,' 'warn,' 'conclude,' 'argue,' or 'predict.' Because their role is to provide insight, the verbs following 'experts' usually carry a sense of intellectual authority. In formal writing, it is common to see 'experts' modified by adjectives that specify their level of prominence, such as 'leading experts,' 'renowned experts,' 'world-class experts,' or 'self-proclaimed experts' (the latter often carrying a skeptical or negative connotation). Using these modifiers helps the reader understand the weight they should give to the opinions being cited.

Collective Nouns: We often group experts using terms like 'a panel of experts,' 'a team of experts,' or 'a committee of experts.'

A panel of experts was assembled to review the environmental impact report.

In passive constructions, 'experts' often follow the preposition 'by.' For example, 'The data was analyzed by experts.' This structure shifts the focus to the action performed while still acknowledging the high level of skill involved. Additionally, 'experts' can be used in the possessive form: 'The experts' consensus was clear.' Note the placement of the apostrophe after the 's' because the noun is plural. In informal settings, the word can be used ironically or sarcastically, such as 'Oh, so now you're one of the experts?' to mock someone who is acting like they know more than they actually do.

Despite being considered experts, they failed to notice the obvious flaw in the design.

Comparative and Superlative: While 'expert' is an adjective, when using the noun, we compare groups: 'These experts are more experienced than those experts.'

The company hired external experts to provide an unbiased perspective on the merger.

Weather experts are predicting a particularly harsh winter this year.

The word experts is a staple of news media, academic discourse, and professional environments. In the 24-hour news cycle, 'experts' are constantly brought on as guests to provide commentary on everything from geopolitical conflicts to the latest celebrity scandal. You will hear anchors say, 'We have a group of experts here to discuss the implications of the latest jobs report.' This usage serves to validate the information being presented and to provide the audience with a sense of security that the analysis is grounded in deep knowledge. In this context, 'experts' functions as a badge of credibility that distinguishes informed opinion from mere speculation.

In the News: 'Experts warn that the new virus could spread rapidly if precautions are not taken.'

On the evening news, experts often debate the potential outcomes of upcoming elections.

In academic and scientific settings, the word is used with a high degree of precision. Researchers refer to 'subject matter experts' (SMEs) when they need specific technical input for a project. Peer-reviewed journals are essentially platforms where experts evaluate the work of other experts. If you are a student, you might hear your professor say, 'The experts in this field still disagree on the primary cause of the Roman Empire's fall.' Here, the word acknowledges that even among the most knowledgeable people, there is room for debate and differing interpretations of evidence. This highlights the dynamic nature of expertise—it is not a static state but a constant process of refinement and challenge.

In Legal Proceedings: 'The defense called several experts to testify about the defendant's mental state at the time of the incident.'

During the trial, ballistic experts provided crucial evidence regarding the trajectory of the bullets.

In everyday life, you might encounter 'experts' in the form of online tutorials or 'how-to' guides. YouTube is filled with 'tech experts,' 'fitness experts,' and 'beauty experts' who share their knowledge with a global audience. In these cases, the term is used more loosely and is often based on the creator's demonstrated skill rather than formal degrees. You might say to a friend, 'I followed the advice of some experts online, and I finally fixed my leaky faucet.' This shows how the word has moved from the ivory towers of academia into the practical, everyday world of digital content. Whether in a courtroom or a kitchen, 'experts' are the people we turn to when our own knowledge reaches its limit.

Many self-taught experts have built successful careers by sharing their knowledge on social media.

In Corporate Culture: 'We need to bring in some marketing experts to help us rebrand the product for a younger demographic.'

The software company employs a team of experts to ensure their encryption remains unbreakable.

Gardening experts suggest planting these seeds in early spring for the best results.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word experts is using the wrong preposition. As mentioned earlier, 'expert in,' 'expert on,' and 'expert at' are the standard forms. Using 'expert of' is a common error (e.g., 'He is an expert of history' instead of 'He is an expert on history'). While 'of' is occasionally seen in older texts or very specific constructions, it sounds unnatural to modern ears. Another mistake is confusing the noun 'experts' with the adjective 'expert.' While you can have 'expert advice' (adjective), you cannot have 'experts advice' unless you mean the advice belonging to a group of experts, in which case it must be 'experts' advice' with an apostrophe.

Preposition Pitfalls: Incorrect: 'She is an expert of piano.' Correct: 'She is an expert at the piano' or 'She is an expert in piano performance.'

It is a common mistake to assume that all experts in a field will have the same opinion on a controversial topic.

Another common issue is the over-reliance on the word 'experts' without providing specific context. In academic writing, simply saying 'experts say' is often considered weak or 'lazy' writing. Professors and editors prefer that you name the specific experts or the specific group (e.g., 'Economic historians argue...' or 'A 2022 study by climate scientists found...'). Using 'experts' as a vague catch-all can undermine the credibility of your work because it doesn't allow the reader to verify the source. Furthermore, be careful with the pluralization. 'Expert' is a countable noun, so you must use 'experts' when referring to more than one. Saying 'There are many expert in this room' is a grammatical error.

Confusion with 'Specialists': While related, 'specialists' often refers to a narrower focus within a field, whereas 'experts' implies a high level of mastery overall.

The hospital has many experts, but we need a specialist in pediatric cardiology for this case.

Finally, there is the 'appeal to authority' fallacy. Just because 'experts' say something doesn't automatically make it an absolute truth, especially in fields that are rapidly evolving. Learners should be aware of the nuance between 'the experts' (referring to the consensus of a whole field) and 'some experts' (referring to a subset with a particular view). Misusing these can lead to overgeneralization. Also, avoid the spelling mistake of 'exparts' or 'exprets.' The word comes from the Latin 'expertus,' meaning 'tried' or 'experienced,' so remember the 'per' in the middle. Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you use the word more accurately and effectively in both spoken and written English.

The article was criticized for citing 'unnamed experts' to support its controversial claims.

The 'Expert' vs. 'Professional' Distinction: A professional is someone who is paid for their work, but an expert is someone who has mastered it. Not all professionals are experts.

We need experts who can not only do the job but also innovate and lead the industry forward.

Some experts argue that the current education system is outdated and needs a complete overhaul.

While experts is a versatile and widely understood word, there are many alternatives that can provide more specific meaning or a different tone. 'Specialists' is perhaps the closest synonym, but it implies a narrower focus. For example, a doctor is an expert in medicine, but a cardiologist is a specialist in heart health. 'Authorities' is another strong alternative, often used when the expertise comes with the power to make decisions or set rules. You might refer to 'legal authorities' or 'health authorities.' This word emphasizes the official status of the individuals rather than just their personal knowledge.

Specialists vs. Experts: Experts: Broad mastery (e.g., Science experts). Specialists: Narrow mastery (e.g., Molecular biology specialists).

The committee invited several experts—including environmental specialists and legal authorities—to testify.

In more informal or colorful language, you might encounter words like 'mavens,' 'pundits,' or 'connoisseurs.' A 'maven' is someone who is an expert in a particular field and is enthusiastic about sharing that knowledge, often in a consumer or lifestyle context (e.g., a 'fashion maven'). A 'pundit' is an expert who frequently gives opinions to the public, especially in politics or sports media. A 'connoisseur' is an expert in matters of taste, such as wine, art, or food. These words add a layer of personality to the description that 'experts' lacks. On the more technical side, 'professionals' or 'practitioners' are used to describe people who work in a field, though they may not necessarily have reached the level of 'expert.'

Authorities vs. Experts: Experts: Knowledge-based. Authorities: Power-based or official recognition.

Political experts and pundits spent the night analyzing the exit poll data.

For a more academic or formal tone, 'scholars' or 'intellectuals' might be used, particularly in the humanities. 'Scholars' implies a deep commitment to study and research, often within a university setting. In the world of technology, you might hear 'gurus' or 'wizards,' though these are very informal and sometimes seen as cliché. When you want to emphasize that someone is a master of a craft, 'master' or 'craftsman' (plural: 'masters' or 'craftspeople') are excellent choices. Choosing the right alternative depends entirely on the context and the specific type of expertise you are trying to convey. Using 'experts' is safe, but using a more specific term can make your writing much more precise and engaging.

The museum's experts are among the world's leading scholars of ancient Egyptian pottery.

Adept vs. Expert: 'Adept' is usually an adjective meaning very skilled. You wouldn't say 'the adepts' as often as 'the experts.'

While many are proficient in coding, only a few are true experts in systems architecture.

The workshop was designed to turn beginners into experts in digital marketing within six months.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root of 'expert' is the same as the root for 'peril.' This is because 'experiri' (to try) implies a sense of risk or danger—you learn by venturing into the unknown and surviving the 'perils' of trial and error.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈek.spɜːts/

US /ˈek.spɝːts/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: EK-sperts.

Rhymes With

alerts exerts inserts diverts converts subverts perverts shirts

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'x' as 's' (e.g., 'esperts').
Putting the stress on the second syllable (e.g., 'ex-PERTS').
Missing the 't' sound at the end.
Pronouncing the 'er' as 'air'.
Adding an extra vowel sound between 'p' and 'e'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is easy, but it often appears in complex academic or technical texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of correct prepositions (in/on/at) and formal reporting verbs.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in daily conversation and easy to pronounce once the 'x' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Very common in news and podcasts, usually easy to identify.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

skill know study people good

Learn Next

expertise specialist authority consultant consensus

Advanced

epistemology meritocracy proficiency virtuosity punditry

Grammar to Know

Plural Count Nouns

Experts (plural) need (no 's') to be careful.

Prepositions of Expertise

Expert IN biology, Expert ON the treaty, Expert AT chess.

Reporting Verbs

Experts suggest/warn/argue/state that...

Possessive Plurals

The experts' (apostrophe after s) report was published.

Adjective vs. Noun

He is an expert (noun). He gave expert (adjective) advice.

Examples by Level

The experts are very smart.

Los expertos son muy inteligentes.

Plural noun 'experts' with the verb 'are'.

We need experts to help us.

Necesitamos expertos que nos ayuden.

Direct object of the verb 'need'.

Are they experts?

¿Son expertos?

Interrogative sentence structure.

The experts say yes.

Los expertos dicen que sí.

Subject-verb agreement: 'experts say'.

She works with experts.

Ella trabaja con expertos.

Object of the preposition 'with'.

They are experts at football.

Son expertos en fútbol.

Using 'at' for a skill.

Ask the experts for advice.

Pide consejo a los expertos.

Imperative sentence.

Many experts live here.

Muchos expertos viven aquí.

Quantifier 'many' used with plural noun.

The medical experts are studying the new virus.

Los expertos médicos están estudiando el nuevo virus.

Adjective 'medical' modifying the noun 'experts'.

I want to become one of the experts in my field.

Quiero convertirme en uno de los expertos en mi campo.

Partitive construction 'one of the experts'.

The experts gave a presentation about the environment.

Los expertos hicieron una presentación sobre el medio ambiente.

Past simple tense 'gave'.

We should listen to what the experts say.

Deberíamos escuchar lo que dicen los expertos.

Modal verb 'should' for advice.

Are there any experts on this topic in the room?

¿Hay algún experto sobre este tema en la sala?

Existential 'there are' in a question.

The experts at the museum fixed the old statue.

Los expertos del museo arreglaron la vieja estatua.

Prepositional phrase 'at the museum' identifying the experts.

You don't need to be experts to understand this.

No hace falta ser expertos para entender esto.

Negative infinitive construction.

The company invited experts from around the world.

La empresa invitó a expertos de todo el mundo.

Prepositional phrase 'from around the world'.

Experts in nutrition recommend eating more vegetables.

Los expertos en nutrición recomiendan comer más verduras.

Using 'in' for a broad field of study.

A panel of experts was formed to investigate the accident.

Se formó un panel de expertos para investigar el accidente.

Collective noun 'panel of experts' treated as singular.

According to the experts, the economy will grow next year.

Según los expertos, la economía crecerá el año que viene.

Common introductory phrase 'According to...'

The software was designed by experts in cybersecurity.

El software fue diseñado por expertos en ciberseguridad.

Passive voice 'was designed by'.

Even experts can make mistakes sometimes.

Incluso los expertos pueden cometer errores a veces.

Adverb 'even' used for emphasis.

We need to consult some experts before we make a decision.

Necesitamos consultar a algunos expertos antes de tomar una decisión.

Infinitive 'to consult' expressing necessity.

The book was written by a group of leading experts.

El libro fue escrito por un grupo de destacados expertos.

Adjective 'leading' to indicate high status.

These experts have spent years researching the topic.

Estos expertos han pasado años investigando el tema.

Present perfect continuous 'have spent... researching'.

The findings were corroborated by several independent experts.

Los hallazgos fueron corroborados por varios expertos independientes.

Using 'independent' to suggest lack of bias.

Experts warn that climate change will have devastating effects.

Los expertos advierten que el cambio climático tendrá efectos devastadores.

Reporting verb 'warn' followed by a 'that' clause.

The legal experts debated the interpretation of the new law.

Los expertos legales debatieron la interpretación de la nueva ley.

The noun 'interpretation' as the object of the debate.

Despite being experts, they were unable to solve the puzzle.

A pesar de ser expertos, no pudieron resolver el rompecabezas.

Concessive clause starting with 'Despite'.

The government is seeking advice from experts in public health.

El gobierno está buscando el asesoramiento de expertos en salud pública.

Present continuous 'is seeking' for an ongoing action.

Financial experts suggest diversifying your investment portfolio.

Los expertos financieros sugieren diversificar su cartera de inversiones.

Gerund 'diversifying' as the object of 'suggest'.

The authenticity of the painting was confirmed by art experts.

La autenticidad del cuadro fue confirmada por expertos en arte.

Noun 'authenticity' as the subject of the passive sentence.

The conference brought together experts from various disciplines.

La conferencia reunió a expertos de diversas disciplinas.

Phrasal verb 'brought together'.

The report synthesized the views of hundreds of experts.

El informe sintetizó las opiniones de cientos de expertos.

Verb 'synthesized' meaning to combine into a whole.

There is a growing consensus among experts regarding this issue.

Existe un consenso creciente entre los expertos sobre este tema.

Noun 'consensus' followed by the preposition 'among'.

Experts contend that the current strategy is fundamentally flawed.

Los expertos sostienen que la estrategia actual es fundamentalmente errónea.

Strong reporting verb 'contend'.

The testimony of the forensic experts was pivotal to the case.

El testimonio de los expertos forenses fue fundamental para el caso.

Adjective 'pivotal' meaning of crucial importance.

We must bridge the gap between experts and the general public.

Debemos cerrar la brecha entre los expertos y el público en general.

Metaphorical use of 'bridge the gap'.

The committee is comprised of experts from both the public and private sectors.

El comité está compuesto por expertos tanto del sector público como del privado.

Passive construction 'is comprised of'.

Self-proclaimed experts often spread misinformation on social media.

Los autoproclamados expertos suelen difundir información errónea en las redes sociales.

Compound adjective 'self-proclaimed' with a negative nuance.

The complexity of the problem requires the input of multiple experts.

La complejidad del problema requiere la aportación de múltiples expertos.

Noun 'input' meaning contribution or advice.

The epistemological authority of experts is being increasingly questioned.

La autoridad epistemológica de los expertos está siendo cada vez más cuestionada.

Academic term 'epistemological authority'.

A plethora of experts have weighed in on the ethical implications of gene editing.

Una plétora de expertos ha opinado sobre las implicaciones éticas de la edición genética.

Noun 'plethora' meaning a large or excessive amount.

The policy was drafted in consultation with leading experts in the field.

La política se redactó en consulta con destacados expertos en la materia.

Prepositional phrase 'in consultation with'.

Experts are not immune to the cognitive biases that affect us all.

Los expertos no son inmunes a los sesgos cognitivos que nos afectan a todos.

Adjective 'immune' followed by the preposition 'to'.

The divergence of opinion among experts makes a clear decision difficult.

La divergencia de opiniones entre los expertos dificulta una decisión clara.

Noun 'divergence' meaning a difference or conflict.

The role of experts in a technocracy is a subject of intense debate.

El papel de los expertos en una tecnocracia es objeto de un intenso debate.

Noun 'technocracy' referring to a system governed by experts.

One must distinguish between genuine experts and mere charlatans.

Hay que distinguir entre los verdaderos expertos y los meros charlatanes.

Formal pronoun 'one' and the contrast with 'charlatans'.

The expertise of these individuals is the culmination of decades of research.

La pericia de estos individuos es la culminación de décadas de investigación.

Noun 'culmination' meaning the highest or climatic point.

Common Collocations

leading experts

panel of experts

industry experts

technical experts

consult experts

experts suggest

experts warn

independent experts

subject matter experts

renowned experts

Common Phrases

According to experts

— Used to introduce information that comes from knowledgeable sources.

According to experts, this is the best way to learn a language.

Experts agree that

— Used to show a consensus or general agreement among knowledgeable people.

Experts agree that climate change is a serious threat.

A team of experts

— A group of people with different skills working together on a project.

A team of experts is working on the new spacecraft.

Call in the experts

— To ask for professional help when a situation is too difficult.

The situation was so bad they had to call in the experts.

Ask the experts

— A common phrase in advice columns or Q&A sessions.

If you're not sure about your taxes, ask the experts.

Expert opinion

— A formal judgment or advice given by someone with specialized knowledge.

The judge asked for an expert opinion on the evidence.

Expert advice

— Helpful suggestions provided by a knowledgeable person.

I followed his expert advice and fixed the problem.

Expert witness

— A person allowed to testify in court because of their special knowledge.

The expert witness explained the DNA results to the jury.

Self-proclaimed experts

— People who say they are experts but may not have the credentials.

Be careful of self-proclaimed experts on the internet.

World-class experts

— People who are among the best in the world at what they do.

The clinic is staffed by world-class experts.

Often Confused With

experts vs Specialists

Specialists have a narrower focus than experts.

experts vs Professionals

Professionals are paid for their work, but experts have mastered it.

experts vs Authorities

Authorities have power or official status, while experts have knowledge.

Idioms & Expressions

"An armchair expert"

— Someone who claims to know a lot about a subject but has no practical experience.

He's just an armchair expert on politics; he's never even voted.

informal

"The expert's touch"

— A high level of skill that makes a difficult task look easy.

The chef added the final garnish with the expert's touch.

neutral

"In the hands of experts"

— Being taken care of by people who know exactly what they are doing.

Don't worry about the surgery; you're in the hands of experts.

neutral

"No expert"

— A humble way to say you don't know everything about a topic.

I'm no expert, but I think the engine sounds strange.

informal

"Expert at something"

— To be very skilled at doing a particular activity.

She is expert at making people feel welcome.

neutral

"Pick someone's brains"

— To ask an expert for their ideas or information.

I'd like to pick the experts' brains about this new project.

informal

"Know something inside out"

— To have expert knowledge of every detail of something.

The experts know the new regulations inside out.

informal

"A master of one's craft"

— A way to describe a true expert in a specific skill.

The experts we hired are true masters of their craft.

formal

"By the book"

— Doing something exactly as the experts or rules dictate.

The experts did everything by the book to avoid any errors.

neutral

"Tricks of the trade"

— Special skills or knowledge that only experts in a field possess.

The experts showed us some of the tricks of the trade.

informal

Easily Confused

experts vs Expertise

Both relate to high skill.

Expertise is the noun for the knowledge itself (uncountable), while experts are the people (countable).

The experts (people) have a lot of expertise (knowledge).

experts vs Experienced

Both imply having done something a lot.

Experienced is an adjective describing someone who has done something; an expert is a noun for someone who has mastered it.

He is an experienced driver, but he is not an expert on engine repair.

experts vs Specialist

They are often used as synonyms.

A specialist focuses on a sub-field; an expert has a high level of skill in a field generally.

All specialists are experts, but not all experts are specialists.

experts vs Authority

Both imply being a source of truth.

An authority is often an official body or a person with power; an expert is someone with deep knowledge.

The health authorities consulted with medical experts.

experts vs Pundit

Both give opinions.

A pundit is specifically an expert who talks to the media; an expert might work quietly in a lab.

The science experts provided the data that the political pundits discussed.

Sentence Patterns

The experts are [adjective].

The experts are smart.

They are experts at [verb-ing].

They are experts at cooking.

According to the experts, [sentence].

According to the experts, the weather will change.

Experts in [field] suggest [noun/gerund].

Experts in nutrition suggest eating fruit.

A panel of experts was [verb-ed] to [verb].

A panel of experts was formed to study the problem.

Despite the consensus among experts, [sentence].

Despite the consensus among experts, the law was not passed.

The testimony of the experts proved [adjective].

The testimony of the experts proved decisive.

The divergence of opinion among experts underscores [noun].

The divergence of opinion among experts underscores the complexity of the issue.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, academic writing, and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'expert of'. → Expert in/on/at.
While 'of' is sometimes used, 'in,' 'on,' and 'at' are the standard prepositions for this noun.
Confusing 'experts' (noun) with 'expert' (adjective). → Expert advice (not experts advice).
When used as an adjective before a noun, use the singular form 'expert.'
Subject-verb disagreement. → The experts agree (not agrees).
'Experts' is a plural noun and requires a plural verb.
Spelling it as 'exparts'. → Experts.
The word is spelled with an 'e' in the middle, related to 'experience.'
Using 'experts' as a vague catch-all in essays. → Specific names or titles (e.g., 'Climate scientists').
In academic writing, being specific is better than using the general term 'experts.'

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember that 'experts' is plural. Use 'experts are' or 'experts say.' Using the singular verb form 'experts says' is a common mistake for learners.

Choosing the Preposition

Use 'at' for skills (experts at chess), 'in' for fields (experts in medicine), and 'on' for topics (experts on the treaty). This makes your English sound more natural.

Avoid Vague Language

Instead of just saying 'experts,' try to be more specific. Say 'economic experts' or 'legal experts' to give your reader more information.

Apostrophe Placement

If you are talking about something belonging to experts, put the apostrophe after the 's': 'the experts' opinion.' If it's just one expert, it's 'the expert's opinion.'

Register Awareness

In very formal writing, consider using 'authorities' or 'scholars' instead of 'experts' to sound more academic.

Trust but Verify

In modern English discourse, the phrase 'experts say' is sometimes met with skepticism. Be prepared to back up your 'experts' with names or organizations.

Confidence

Using the word 'experts' can make you sound more confident and well-informed when discussing a topic.

Identify the Source

When you see 'experts' in an article, look for the names of the people or the institutions they work for to judge the quality of the information.

Root Word

Remember that 'expert' comes from the same root as 'experience.' An expert is someone with a lot of experience.

Humility

When talking about yourself, it's often better to say 'I have some experience in...' rather than 'I am one of the experts,' unless you are in a formal job interview.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EXtra PERfect'. Experts are people who have done something so many times they are EXtra PERfect at it.

Visual Association

Imagine a person wearing a graduation cap and holding a specialized tool (like a stethoscope or a wrench), standing in front of a mountain of books.

Word Web

Knowledge Skill Experience Authority Specialist Advice Practice Mastery

Challenge

Try to name three experts in your own life (e.g., a teacher, a mechanic, a doctor) and write one sentence about what they are an expert in.

Word Origin

The word 'experts' comes from the Latin word 'expertus,' which is the past participle of 'experiri,' meaning 'to try' or 'to test.' This reflects the idea that an expert is someone who has 'tried' things and gained knowledge through experience. It entered Middle English via Old French in the late 14th century.

Original meaning: Originally, the word meant 'experienced' or 'having been tested by experience.'

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > English

Cultural Context

Be aware that calling someone an 'expert' can sometimes be seen as dismissive if used sarcastically. Also, ensure that the 'experts' being cited are diverse and representative.

In the US and UK, 'experts' are frequently used in marketing (e.g., '9 out of 10 experts recommend...') to build consumer trust.

The 10,000-hour rule by Malcolm Gladwell (discussing how to become an expert). Expert Witness (a common trope in legal dramas like Law & Order). The Death of Expertise (a book by Tom Nichols about the modern rejection of experts).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Scientific Research

Experts conducted a study
Peer-reviewed by experts
Scientific experts claim
A consensus among experts

Legal Trials

Call an expert witness
Expert testimony
Forensic experts
Legal experts' opinion

Business & Finance

Consult financial experts
Industry experts predict
Marketing experts suggest
A team of experts

News & Media

According to experts
Experts warn of
A panel of experts
We asked the experts

Education

Learn from the experts
Expert-led workshop
Subject matter experts
Become one of the experts

Conversation Starters

"Who are some experts you follow on social media for advice?"

"Do you think it's important to always listen to experts, or should we trust our intuition?"

"In what field would you like to be considered one of the world's experts?"

"How do you think someone becomes an expert in a hobby like gaming or cooking?"

"Have you ever had to call in experts to fix something at your house?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you sought advice from experts. Was the advice helpful? Why or why not?

Reflect on the '10,000-hour rule.' Do you believe anyone can become an expert with enough practice?

Write about a subject you know a lot about. Do you consider yourself one of the experts in this area?

Discuss the role of experts in the news. How do they influence the way you think about the world?

If you could spend a day with a group of experts in any field, which field would you choose and what would you ask them?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, 'expert in' is used for a broad field (e.g., experts in science), while 'expert on' is used for a specific subject or topic (e.g., experts on tropical fish). However, they are often used interchangeably in casual speech.

Yes, you can. While it often implies professional or academic status, it can also describe anyone with a high level of skill, such as 'experts at gardening' or 'experts at video games.'

Usually, yes, as it implies high skill. However, it can be used sarcastically to mock someone who thinks they know more than they do, or in phrases like 'self-proclaimed experts' to suggest they aren't actually knowledgeable.

Becoming an expert usually requires years of study, deliberate practice, and experience. Many people cite the '10,000-hour rule' as a guideline for the time needed to achieve mastery in a field.

A panel of experts is a group of knowledgeable people brought together to discuss a specific issue, provide advice, or make a decision. This is common in government, science, and business.

It is a countable noun. You can have one expert, two experts, or many experts. The uncountable noun for the knowledge they have is 'expertise.'

Yes, 'expert' can be an adjective meaning 'having or showing special skill.' For example, 'She gave us some expert advice.' In this case, it doesn't take an 's' even if the advice is for many people.

In a professional setting, you might use 'specialists,' 'consultants,' 'authorities,' or 'subject matter experts (SMEs).'

An expert witness is a person who is permitted to testify at a trial because of special knowledge or proficiency in a particular field that is relevant to the case.

Experts may disagree because they interpret data differently, use different methods, or focus on different aspects of a complex problem. This is a normal part of the scientific and academic process.