have mastery over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have mastery over" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has a great level of skill or knowledge on a certain subject or topic. Example: He has a mastery over guitar technique.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It seems wrong to imagine that you have mastery over everything you will feel and believe.

The New York Times

Then it was my failure to orchestrate like Ravel, or to have mastery over a deep, elongated melody like Mahler.

Independent

The judge considering the right to die of a woman known only as C weighed up her obsession with her own beauty, her fear of ageing and the loss of her "sparkle", and decided that she must have mastery over her own dialysis treatment.

The Guardian - Opinion

For children to feel truly secure, they must believe that they have mastery over themselves.

Huffington Post

When I am no longer 'at the effect' of my self and others, my circumstances or time, I have mastery over my 'way of being in the world' which is the foundation for expressing myself in whatever areas of life are of interest and important to me.

Huffington Post

How many switches will there be and will any have mastery over the others?

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Because I have mastery.

The Guardian

Different labs have mastery of different techniques.

The New Yorker

Applicants should have mastery of Stata.

Financial Innovation

Keep progressing until you have mastery.

WikiHow

No religion has mastery of divinity.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill, be specific about what area someone "have mastery over". For example, "She has mastery over classical piano", rather than just saying, "She has mastery".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "have mastery over" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler phrases like "be good at" or "excel in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have mastery over" functions as a verb phrase indicating a subject's comprehensive skill, knowledge, and control in a specific area. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is acceptable in written English. Examples demonstrate its use in describing proficiency in various domains, from musical technique to abstract concepts like self-control.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have mastery over" is a grammatically sound and widely understood way to express proficiency and control in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While it's suitable for professional and news contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferable in informal settings. Remember to specify the area over which mastery is held for clarity. While not extremely common, its usage is consistently observed in reputable sources such as the New York Times and The Guardian, lending credibility to its proper application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have command of

Focuses more on the ability to direct and control something.

have expertise in

Emphasizes specialized knowledge and skill in a particular area.

have a firm grasp of

Highlights a secure and comprehensive understanding.

be proficient in

Stresses competence and skill in a specific field.

excel at

Indicates outstanding performance and skill.

be adept at

Highlights natural skill and quickness.

have a talent for

Suggests a natural aptitude or gift.

be skilled in

A general term for competence in a particular area.

be versed in

Implies deep knowledge and experience.

have dominion over

Suggests complete control and authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "have mastery over" to indicate a high level of skill or control. For example, "The chef has mastery over French cuisine" or "The software engineer has mastery over multiple programming languages."

What's a more informal way to say "have mastery over"?

In casual contexts, consider using alternatives like "be good at", "excel in", or "be skilled in". These phrases are less formal and more appropriate for everyday conversation.

How does "have expertise in" differ from "have mastery over"?

"Have expertise in" emphasizes specialized knowledge and skill, while "have mastery over" suggests a more comprehensive control and application of that knowledge. The former is more focused on understanding, while the latter is more about practical application.

Is it better to say "have mastery in" or "have mastery over"?

The correct and more common phrasing is "have mastery over". The preposition "over" indicates control or command, which aligns with the meaning of mastery. Using "in" would be grammatically incorrect.