holds a master

USAGE SUMMARY

"holds a master" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has earned a master's degree. For example, "He holds a master's degree in Physics from Harvard University."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

She also holds a Master of Laws in taxation from Georgetown.

The New York Times

She also holds a master of laws degree in taxation from Georgetown.

The New York Times

She also holds a master of music degree from Yale, and a master's in speech pathology from Columbia.

The New York Times

A graduate of Manhattan College, Mr. DeSantis holds a master of arts degree in recreation administration from New York University.

The New York Times

He is a graduate of South Carolina State University, and holds a master of science degree from Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.

The New York Times

"Don't present me as an America-hater," Mr. Astakhov, who holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Pittsburgh, said after a recent news conference.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts.

The New York Times

She also holds a Master of Laws degree in taxation from Georgetown.

The New York Times

She also holds a Master of Studies in Law degree from Yale.

The New York Times - Style

He also holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Michigan.

The New York Times - Style

Until last week, the bride, 29, was an instructor for a writing class at Emerson College, from which she holds a Master of Fine Arts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, specifying the field of study alongside the master's degree enhances clarity and precision. For instance, "holds a Master of Science in Computer Science" is more informative than simply "holds a master".

Common error

Ensure you include the apostrophe when referring to a "master's" degree. The phrase "holds a master degree" is grammatically incorrect; it should be "holds a master's degree".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holds a master" functions as a declarative statement indicating that someone possesses a master's degree. As supported by Ludwig, it's used to communicate an individual's academic credentials and qualifications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "holds a master" is a correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that someone possesses a master's degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and widespread use across various professional and academic contexts. While "has a master's degree" is a simpler alternative, "holds a master" maintains a formal and professional tone, suitable for news, scientific writing, and professional biographies. Remember to use "master's" with an apostrophe and consider specifying the field of study for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Has a master's degree

Uses the verb "has" instead of "holds", a more common and simpler construction.

Possesses a master's degree

Replaces "holds" with "possesses" and adds "degree" for clarity.

Earned a master's degree

Similar to "obtained" but emphasizes the effort involved in acquiring the degree.

Obtained a master's degree

Replaces "holds" with "obtained", focusing on the act of acquiring the degree.

Maintains a master's degree

Uses the verb "maintains" instead of "holds", to emphasize continued certification.

Is a master's degree holder

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, emphasizing the person as the holder.

Is certified with a master's degree

Highlights the certification and possession of the degree.

Completed a master's degree

Focuses on the completion of the master's program.

Is a graduate with a master's degree

Emphasizes graduation and possession of the degree.

Was awarded a master's degree

Highlights the awarding of the degree by an institution.

FAQs

How can I use "holds a master" in a sentence?

You can use "holds a master" to describe someone who possesses a master's degree. For example, "She "holds a master" in Business Administration from Harvard University."

What's a more common way to say "holds a master"?

A more common alternative is "has a master's degree". For example, "He "has a master's degree" in Engineering."

Is it correct to say "holds a masters" instead of "holds a master"?

While "holds a masters" might be understood, the grammatically correct and more widely accepted phrasing is "holds a master's degree". The word "master's" functions as an adjective describing the degree.

What's the difference between "holds a master's degree" and "is a master's degree holder"?

Both phrases indicate possession of a master's degree. "Holds a master's degree" focuses on the act of possessing the degree, whereas "is a master's degree holder" emphasizes the person's status as the holder of the degree. For example, the first one is active, the second is passive.