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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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an master

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'an master' is not correct and is not usable in written English.
The correct form is 'a master'. For example: He was a master in the art of negotiation.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, he holds an master in arts degree from Oxford University and a Ph.D. from Princeton.

He has an master of fine arts degree from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, where he lives, and an honorary doctorate of divinity from the World Christianship Ministries in Fresco, Calif., a mail-order organization he came across on the Internet.

Fran Bigman is an master of philosophy candidate in English literature at the University of Cambridge.

News & Media

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Liston A, Masters SL.

Science & Research

Nature

"It's an homage to a master".

News & Media

The New York Times

An Orvieto from a master blender.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

"A master sommelier is like a C.P.A".

News & Media

The New York Times

An immaculate goal from a master.

A master's?

A master race".

News & Media

The New York Times

He's a master.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct article ("a" or "an") based on the sound of the following word. Use "a" before consonant sounds and "an" before vowel sounds. Therefore, the proper phrase is "a master."

Common error

Don't assume that article choice depends on the letter that starts the word. It depends on the sound. For example, use "an hour" (vowel sound) but "a university" (consonant sound).

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an master" is intended to function as a determiner (article) followed by a noun, typically to describe someone with exceptional skill or expertise. However, due to the incorrect article usage, it fails to achieve its intended function. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the intent behind the phrase "an master" is to denote expertise or skill, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is "a master", as the word "master" begins with a consonant sound. Ludwig AI flags this error, emphasizing the importance of article-noun agreement. Although examples exist across various sources, the grammatical issue significantly impacts the phrase's effectiveness and credibility. For accurate and impactful writing, always ensure correct article usage, considering the sound, not just the letter, of the following word.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "an master"?

The correct way to say it is "a master". The article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

When should I use "a" instead of "an"?

Use "a" before words that begin with a consonant sound (e.g., "a car", "a house"). Use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound (e.g., "an apple", "an hour"). It's the sound that matters, not the letter itself.

What are some synonyms for "a master"?

Synonyms include "an expert", "a skilled professional", or "a proficient individual". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "an master" ever correct in English?

No, "an master" is not correct in standard English. The correct form is always "a master" because the word "master" begins with a consonant sound.

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Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: