Which Sentence is Correct: 'I am not good in dancing' or 'I am not good at dancing'
You might have come across a common English grammar question: 'Is it correct to say, "I am not good in dancing" or "I am not good at dancing"?'
The Correct Sentence
The correct sentence is: "I am not good at dancing."
The Importance of Preposition Use
The preposition @@good at is used when it is followed by a noun, whereas @@good in is used when it is followed by a verb.
Correct Usage Examples
Good at:
She is good at singing and dancing. He is good at playing the piano.Good in:
He is good in his studies. She is good in her work.Grammatically Correct Variations
The phrase "I’m not really good at dancing" is a grammatically correct and natural way to say it. Make sure you capitalize and do not skip the apostrophe in "I’m". Here are a few different ways to express the same idea:
I’m not really good at dancing.This sounds even better when you say: I’m not a very good dancer. An alternative, when you want to soften the statement: I’m not really good at dancing…yet. Hint hint. This is especially useful if someone is asking you to dance. If you suggest you’re open to the idea, most dancers are happy to help you learn. Many a relationship has been forged on the dance floor!
Common Misunderstandings
The phrase "I am not good in dancing" is not grammatically incorrect but it is commonly used in incorrect situations. For clarity and formality, it is best to use "I am not good at dancing."
Usage and Examples
Here are a few examples to better understand the usage:
Correct: I am not good at dancing.
Incorrect: I am not good in dancing.
Correct: Im not good at dancing.
When using the contraction "Im" (I am), remember to add the apostrophe to indicate contractions. Here is a more detailed example:
Im good at English as well as Maths.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sentence structure in English can make a significant difference in clarity and effectiveness. If you want to sound more confident and proficient, remember to choose the correct preposition and phrase. Whether you're expressing yourself in writing or speaking, using "I am not good at dancing" is the way to go.