a mastermind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mastermind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is exceptionally intelligent or skilled at planning and executing complex tasks or schemes. Example: "The heist was executed flawlessly, a testament to the genius of the mastermind behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A mastermind always does.

The New York Times - Sports

He seemed to be a mastermind.

The New Yorker

Bush called Chow "a mastermind".

The New York Times

Coach Belichick is a mastermind.

The New York Times - Sports

"Coach Belichick is a mastermind," Wilson said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Shapira is a mastermind," Friedlaender says.

The New York Times - Magazine

He's a mastermind with presnap reads and no-huddle control.

The New York Times

He was a mastermind of the Okinawa invasion.

The New York Times - Books

To read the documents, North sounds like a mastermind.

The New Yorker

"Theresa is a mastermind of the place," Kushner said.

The New Yorker

Neither looks to me like a puppet or a mastermind.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mastermind" to depict someone with exceptional intellect and strategic planning skills, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as "a mastermind" without sufficient evidence or context. Overusing the term can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mastermind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject complement or appositive to describe an individual who possesses exceptional intellect and strategic planning skills. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig's analysis reveals that the phrase "a mastermind" is a widely used and grammatically correct term for describing someone with exceptional intelligence and strategic planning skills. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to highlight an individual's expertise in devising and executing complex plans. The phrase is considered neutral in formality. While synonyms such as "a brilliant strategist" and "a strategic genius" exist, "a mastermind" carries a unique connotation of exceptional intellect and strategic acumen.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strategic genius

Combines strategic thinking with exceptional intelligence.

a brilliant strategist

Focuses more on strategic thinking than overall intellect.

a grand strategist

Similar to a strategist, but implies a broader and more ambitious scope.

an ingenious planner

Highlights the planning aspect of the person's abilities.

a tactical wizard

Similar to an expert tactician, highlighting exceptional skill.

an expert tactician

Emphasizes tactical skills and execution.

a planning virtuoso

Highlights outstanding skill in planning.

a clever architect

Implies a carefully designed and constructed plan or scheme.

a visionary leader

Highlights the ability to see and plan for the future.

a skilled organizer

Focuses on the ability to efficiently arrange and manage complex tasks.

FAQs

How can I use "a mastermind" in a sentence?

You can use "a mastermind" to describe someone with exceptional intelligence and planning skills, such as: "The success of the operation was due to the careful planning of "a mastermind"."

What's another way to say "a mastermind"?

Alternatives to "a mastermind" include "a brilliant strategist", "a strategic genius", or "an ingenious planner", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a mastermind" in formal writing?

Yes, "a mastermind" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing someone's exceptional strategic or intellectual abilities. However, ensure the context is appropriate and the claim is supported by evidence.

What are some common attributes of "a mastermind"?

Common attributes of "a mastermind" include exceptional intelligence, strategic thinking, meticulous planning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to anticipate challenges and develop effective solutions.