develop a mastery of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop a mastery of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of gaining a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area or subject. Example: "To excel in this field, one must develop a mastery of the fundamental principles and techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Develop a mastery of the language.

WikiHow

Read and watch shows about current affairs to have a wide knowledge of events, and study several specific topics to develop a mastery of particular subjects.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In whatever shape he played he quickly developed a mastery of his brief.

The Guardian - Sport

During these years, he developed a mastery of Beijing's power games.

The Economist

He lightened his palette and, with Michelangelo to study, developed a mastery of anatomy to complement his way with faces.

The New Yorker

Borgen also wrote plays and over a long career developed a mastery of the short, witty essay.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A right-handed, flexible "beanpole" standing more than 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 metres) tall, Paige had considerable pitching speed, but he also developed a comprehensive mastery of slow-breaking pitches and varied deliveries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sometimes, he added, focusing on one fear can help children overcome all of their fears because "they develop a sense of mastery and control".

The New York Times - Health

Although they learned the art rather late, the Japanese ivory carvers of the Tokugawa period (1603 1867) quickly developed an astonishing mastery of this medium and created many miniature works of art that still excite admiration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Participant 1251, male) Participants found CR programmes to be useful and enjoyable because they helped them to regain confidence and develop a sense of mastery over symptoms.

BMC Family Practice

"Parents can keep excitement alive with activities that help kids develop a sense of science mastery, autonomy, and purpose".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "develop a mastery of" when you want to emphasize the process of gaining deep understanding and skill over time. For instance, instead of saying "He is skilled in coding", try "He is developing a mastery of coding" to highlight his ongoing learning journey.

Common error

Avoid using "develop a mastery of" in every instance where skill development is implied. Sometimes, simpler terms like "learn", "improve", or "master" can be more concise and effective. Overuse can make your writing sound verbose and repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a mastery of" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. It typically acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing the action of acquiring a high level of skill or knowledge. As suggested by Ludwig, it is often used to describe a process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

2.5%

Reference

7.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "develop a mastery of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for describing the process of gaining significant expertise in a particular area. As indicated by Ludwig, it is often found in news articles, encyclopedias, and academic texts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. To improve your writing, focus on using this phrase when you want to emphasize the learning journey rather than a static state of skill. Remember that other terms such as "achieve mastery in" or "attain proficiency in" may be more appropriate in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve mastery in

Focuses on the accomplishment of reaching mastery, rather than the process.

attain proficiency in

Emphasizes a high level of competence, but not necessarily complete mastery.

develop proficiency with

Similar to attain proficiency in, but with a greater emphasis on the gradual process.

acquire expertise in

Highlights the gaining of specialized knowledge and skill.

gain competence in

Suggests acquiring the basic skills and knowledge to perform a task adequately.

cultivate expertise in

Implies a deliberate and sustained effort to develop expertise.

hone skills in

Focuses on refining existing skills to a high degree of precision.

perfect skills in

Suggests achieving flawless execution and exceptional ability.

become adept at

Indicates a natural talent and skill in a particular area.

master the art of

Emphasizes the skillful application of knowledge and technique.

FAQs

How can I use "develop a mastery of" in a sentence?

You can use "develop a mastery of" to describe the process of gaining expertise in a particular skill or subject. For example, "To become a proficient chef, one must "develop a mastery of" various cooking techniques".

What are some alternatives to "develop a mastery of"?

Alternatives include "achieve mastery in", "attain proficiency in", or "acquire expertise in". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "develop mastery of" or simply "master"?

While both are correct, "develop mastery of" emphasizes the ongoing process of learning and improving, whereas "master" implies a completed state of expertise. For example, compare "She is working hard to "develop mastery of" the piano" versus "She has mastered the piano".

What's the difference between "develop a mastery of" and "develop an understanding of"?

"Develop a mastery of" suggests a deep and comprehensive competence, while "develop an understanding of" implies gaining knowledge and comprehension without necessarily achieving expert-level skill. The former is about skill acquisition, while the latter is about comprehension.