have mastery of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have mastery of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's skill or expertise in a particular subject or area. Example: "To excel in this field, it is essential to have mastery of the latest technologies and methodologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Different labs have mastery of different techniques.

The New Yorker

Every master parodist must have mastery of the art under attack.

The New Yorker

We did not have mastery of the terrain, the language, the culture; there was an open debate about what we wanted.

The New Yorker

Applicants should have mastery of Stata.

Financial Innovation

(Whose beliefs are they supposed to be?) On the face of it, they are beliefs of those who have mastery of the concepts of color, i.e., including the many ordinary people who lack detailed scientific knowledge.

SEP

For example, it does not seem a belief it is necessary to have, in order to have mastery of concepts of color and, in particular, of a concept of yellow.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In the 1980s Soviet aircraft were shot down with American-made Stinger missiles; today NATO has mastery of the skies.

The Economist

Now that the group has mastery of the south, there is an obvious temptation to feel a strong sense of autonomy.

The New York Times

In Vietnam America lost hundreds of aircraft and about 55,000 soldiers; in Afghanistan America has mastery of the skies and has suffered about 850 dead (one-fifth the losses in Iraq).

The Economist

He rightly pointed to the end of the full-blown confrontation between well-marshalled rebel forces and a Sudanese army that had mastery of the skies and could bomb the recalcitrant rebel villages at will.

The Economist

My nan afterwards brushed off the significance of her achievement: it was almost as if she was stepping back into a younger version of herself, one where she had mastery of the situation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a formal tone, use "have mastery of" to denote a comprehensive and authoritative level of skill or knowledge. For example, "The scholar must have mastery of ancient languages to interpret the texts accurately."

Common error

Avoid using "have mastery of" when "familiarity with" or "knowledge of" would be more accurate. "Mastery" implies a deep and comprehensive understanding, while familiarity suggests a more superficial acquaintance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have mastery of" functions as a verb phrase that indicates a high level of competence, skill, or expertise in a particular subject or area. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where individuals or groups are described as having mastery over specific skills, languages, or techniques.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have mastery of" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that indicates a high level of skill, expertise, or command in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki content, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "possess expertise in" or "have command of" exist, it's crucial to ensure that "mastery" accurately reflects the depth of knowledge, differentiating it from mere familiarity. This wrap-up helps to appropriately use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess expertise in

Emphasizes specialized knowledge and skill, suggesting a formal and professional context.

have command of

Highlights the ability to control and effectively use something, such as a language or a skill.

excel in

Focuses on outstanding performance and superior skill in a specific area.

be proficient in

Indicates competence and skill, often used in professional or technical contexts.

be skilled at

A more general term for competence, applicable in various contexts.

have a strong grasp of

Emphasizes understanding and comprehension in addition to skill.

be adept at

Highlights natural talent or quickness in learning and applying skills.

demonstrate competence in

Formally asserts the ability to meet required standards or expectations.

have a flair for

Suggests a natural inclination and talent, often used for creative or artistic skills.

be versed in

Indicates a thorough knowledge and understanding, often in academic or literary contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "have mastery of" to indicate a high level of skill or expertise in a particular area. For example, "To become a proficient programmer, one must "have mastery of" several programming languages."

What are some alternatives to "have mastery of"?

You can use alternatives such as "possess expertise in", "have command of", or "excel in" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "have mastery on" or "have mastery of"?

"Have mastery of" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Have mastery on" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

What is the difference between "have mastery of" and "be skilled at"?

"Have mastery of" implies a more comprehensive and authoritative level of expertise than "be skilled at". While being skilled suggests competence, "have mastery of" suggests a deeper understanding and control.