claim to be an expert
/kleɪm tuː biː ən ˈɛkspɜːt/
Meaning
This phrase means to state or assert publicly that one has high-level knowledge or skill in a specific field, often with an underlying tone of skepticism from the speaker. It is frequently used when there is doubt about whether the person actually possesses the expertise they boast about.
Examples
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He claims to be an expert in cryptocurrency, but he lost all his savings last month.
He claims to be an expert in cryptocurrency, but he lost all his savings last month.
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I don't claim to be an expert, but I think you're installing that software incorrectly.
I don't claim to be an expert, but I think you're installing that software incorrectly.
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Many self-help gurus claim to be experts in relationships despite having no formal training.
Many self-help gurus claim to be experts in relationships despite having no formal training.
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She claims to be an expert on French wine, yet she couldn't tell the difference between these two bottles.
She claims to be an expert on French wine, yet she couldn't tell the difference between these two bottles.
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Before you hire him, make sure he doesn't just claim to be an expert but actually has a portfolio.
Before you hire him, make sure he doesn't just claim to be an expert but actually has a portfolio.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He claims being an expert in digital marketing.
✓ He claims to be an expert in digital marketing.
The verb 'claim' is followed by a to-infinitive ('to be'), not a gerund ('being').
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✗ She claims to be an expert of ancient history.
✓ She claims to be an expert in ancient history.
In English, you are an expert 'in' a field or 'on' a topic, not 'of' it.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Although he ___ on nutrition, he eats fast food almost every day.
💡 Watch out for the subject-verb agreement with 'he'.
Show answer
claims to be an expert
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I don't ___ on this subject, so you should probably double-check my advice.
💡 Use the base form after 'don't'.
Show answer
claim to be an expert