a good master

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good master" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is a competent and fair leader or authority figure, often in contexts related to work, training, or relationships. Example: "In the world of training animals, a good master knows how to communicate effectively and build trust with their pet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He would have been a good master criminal I think".

The Guardian

The Scottish Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, made his announcement in front of drawn blue curtains, in the slow, high-to-low cadence of a good master of ceremonies.

The New Yorker

Only I would advise you to go to a good master in order to learn how to manage this fine voice, and not to destroy it before time.

The New Yorker

The third-person narrator in "Muldoon" maintains a comic distance, inviting us to share the affectionate irony that a good master feels for a much-loved pet.

The New York Times - Books

He's right: All across the American south, you can go to historic plantation sites still pushing the idea that slaves who had a "good" master were happy, and "faithful".

The Guardian - Opinion

Peter F. Vallone, who was speaker of the City Council during the entire Giuliani era, said that with regard to welfare, the mayor "leaves Michael Bloomberg with a good master plan".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Sports thrive on a good master-apprentice tale, and the story gets even better when the apprentice finds a way to snatch the stone from the master's hand and finishes off the upset.

The New York Times - Sports

The most productive operators did not possess any superior abilities and, therefore, the most important attribute appears to be a good mastering of different kinds of abilities.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

A good mastering is the difference between a closet recording and a professional studio.

WikiHow

I decided to kick things up a notch by finding a really good master class to hone the material, so that I could start approaching agents with my proposal and partial manuscript.

Huffington Post

That's why I was so surprised to find a local Georgia boy who turned out to be a damn good mastering engineer.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider if "master" is the most appropriate term given its historical baggage. Alternative terms such as "leader", "expert", or "guide" may be more suitable depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a good master" in contexts where it could be misinterpreted or cause offense due to its historical association with slavery and servitude. Instead, opt for more neutral terms like "capable leader" or "skilled professional" to avoid unintended implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good master" functions as a noun phrase, where "good" is an adjective modifying the noun "master". Ludwig AI shows that this construction typically describes an individual who possesses expertise, skill, and positive attributes in their role or position.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a good master" is grammatically correct but carries historical connotations that require careful consideration. Ludwig AI verifies its usability in written English, typically describing a skilled and ethically sound leader or authority figure. However, alternative terms like "skilled leader" or "effective manager" might be more appropriate depending on the context. Its usage is uncommon, appearing mainly in news and media, wiki, and science-related content. When writing, be mindful of the term's potential for misinterpretation and opt for alternatives to avoid unintended implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a skilled leader

Focuses on leadership ability rather than mastery in a specific domain.

an effective manager

Highlights the managerial aspect of leading a team or project.

a proficient guide

Emphasizes guidance and direction rather than overall mastery.

a capable instructor

Specifies the role of teaching or instructing.

a competent authority

Indicates someone with recognized power and skill.

a masterful professional

Highlights the professional skills of a master.

a great mentor

Highlights the mentorship aspect.

a reliable expert

Highlights the reliability and expertise.

a superior craftsman

Highlights the skill of a craftsman.

an accomplished veteran

Highlights the experience of a veteran.

FAQs

What does the phrase "a good master" mean?

The phrase "a good master" typically refers to someone who is highly skilled and competent in their field, and who also possesses positive qualities like fairness, kindness, or generosity. However, it's important to be aware of the historical connotations of the word "master", which can be associated with slavery or servitude.

What can I say instead of "a good master"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a skilled leader", "an effective manager", or "a proficient guide". Choose the term that best reflects the specific qualities you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use the term "master" in modern English?

While the word "master" is still used in some contexts to denote expertise or authority, it's important to be mindful of its historical baggage. In situations where the term could be misinterpreted or cause offense, it's best to use alternative terms like "expert", "leader", or "guide".

How to avoid misinterpreting "a good master" in historical contexts?

In historical contexts, it's crucial to critically evaluate claims of "a good master" in relation to slavery and other forms of servitude. Such claims often serve to minimize the brutality and injustice of these systems. When discussing these topics, it's essential to center the experiences and perspectives of those who were enslaved or oppressed.