begin and master

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin and master" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of starting to learn or practice something and achieving proficiency in it. Example: "To become a skilled musician, you must begin and master the fundamentals of music theory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

After living for a time in Los Angeles, Mr. Longoria moved back to San Antonio in 1980 and began a 20-year teaching career at the Guadalupe Cultural Center, where he taught beginning and master's-level accordion classes to more than 1,000 students.

The New York Times - Arts

With a therapist, you'll learn to cope differently and begin to master your thoughts and feelings.

WikiHow

Allows students to gain a better understanding of strategic issues and begin to master the analytic tools the strategists use, by studying the strategic decisions of companies in many different industries and countries, ranging from U.S. technology firms to a Swiss bank and a Chinese white-goods manufacturer.

Columbia University

"Our problems begin when they learn and master the nuclear fuel cycle and when they have the nuclear materials," he said.

The New Yorker

She points out that children start integrating what they know about the shape of the environment, their navigational sense, with what they know about its landmarks — object recognition — at just the age when they begin to master spatial language and words like "left" and "right".

The New York Times - Science

Begin to master both perseverance and patience.

HuffPost

Some of the American stars, like Vonn and Bode Miller, started out as tech specialists, and then, as they got bigger and stronger and perhaps more courageous and ambitious, began to master the dangers and the demands of the downhill.

The New Yorker

Carey excelled in her music, and demonstrated usage of the whistle register, though only beginning to master and control it through her training with her mother.

Wikipedia

Begin to master the sword.

WikiHow

It is hard, but after listening to it several times, you will begin to master it!

WikiHow

They were comfortable on Metro-North, and beginning to master the subway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begin and master", ensure that both verbs apply to the same subject or action to maintain clarity and logical flow. For example, "begin and master the art of negotiation" is clear because both actions relate to 'negotiation'.

Common error

Be careful not to suggest that mastery is immediate upon beginning. The phrase "begin and master" implies a process that takes time and effort. Don't use it in contexts where immediate success is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin and master" functions as a compound verb phrase, emphasizing both the initiation and successful completion of a learning process. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to describe skill acquisition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begin and master" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe the process of starting something and achieving proficiency, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a compound verb phrase, suitable for various contexts ranging from news and media to academic discussions. While seemingly straightforward, it's crucial to use the phrase thoughtfully, ensuring that the actions of beginning and mastering logically align with the subject. Remember to avoid implying instant mastery and consider alternatives like "start and perfect" or "learn and conquer" to better suit specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start and perfect

Replaces "begin" with "start" and "master" with "perfect", focusing on achieving an ideal level of skill.

pick up and excel

Suggests a quicker learning process followed by outstanding performance.

learn and conquer

Emphasizes overcoming challenges in the learning process and gaining dominance over the subject.

get into and get good at

An informal way of expressing starting something and becoming skilled at it.

initiate and dominate

Uses more formal vocabulary, highlighting taking the first steps and then achieving a commanding position.

study and ace

Uses informal language to describe studying and achieving top marks.

commence and command

Implies a formal start and then achieving a position of authority through mastery.

undertake and triumph

Highlights commitment to the learning task and ultimate success.

grasp and govern

Focuses on understanding something thoroughly and then using that knowledge to control it.

explore and expertise

Changing the verb "master" with the noun "expertise".

FAQs

How can I use "begin and master" in a sentence?

You can use "begin and master" to describe the process of learning and becoming proficient in a skill. For instance, "To excel in coding, one must "begin and master" the fundamentals of programming".

What are some alternatives to "begin and master"?

Alternatives include phrases like "start and perfect", "learn and conquer", or "initiate and dominate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "begin and master"?

While "begin" implies a starting point, "master" emphasizes achieving a high level of skill. Using them together highlights the entire learning process, from initiation to expertise. It isn't strictly redundant, as it adds emphasis.

What's the difference between "begin and master" and "start and excel"?

"Begin and master" suggests a comprehensive journey to proficiency, whereas "start and excel" focuses more on quickly surpassing initial expectations after beginning something. The former implies more dedication to the process.