master

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "master" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to someone who has control or expertise in a particular field or subject. Example: "She is a master of her craft, demonstrating exceptional skill in painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's a master.

The Guardian

I met him only after I became master of St Peter's College, Oxford, but he had a palpable gift for friendship and within minutes of our first encounter he was coming up with schemes and plots to help the college.

The Guardian

Now, every time the master branch is tagged vN.NN a new version will automatically ship.

The Guardian

He was a master of disguise who loved tweaking the nose of the police.

The Guardian

It has a fair chance, given its cast, source material and the presence of Ryan, a master of edge-of-your-seat television.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In two weeks... Denzel Washington welcomes you aboard his Flight … Sylvester Stallone in killing mood for Bullet To The Head … In three weeks... Anthony Hopkins masters the master in Hitchcock … Advertising v dictatorship in Chilean hit No… In a month... Bruce Willis and son hit Russia in A Good Day To Die Hard … Judd Apatow brings us up to date with This Is 40 ….

The Guardian - Film

But all this took time: the early Gove months had been "continuity Blairism", picking up where the man he called "the Master" had been held back by Labour MPs.

The Guardian

He's done so by using the notation with which Beauty was recorded in 1903 by the ballet master Nicholas Sergeyev.

The Guardian

The torrent technology wasn't easy to master, a good ratio was difficult to maintain, the forum moderators were Nazis, and uploading even a single byte of data to the site technically constituted a felony-level conspiracy.

The Guardian - Books

Rodriguez was also cited for obstructing the investigation and for violating the Basic Agreement which is the master document that lays out protocol between the Players and Major League Baseball.

The Guardian - Sport

The book I most enjoyed reading this year was The New York Stories by John O'Hara (Penguin Classics), a selection of the many superb short stories by this neglected American master.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "master" to describe a person, ensure the context clarifies the area of expertise or control. For example, "He is a master of disguise" is clearer than "He is a master."

Common error

Avoid using "master" in contexts where a more neutral term like "expert" or "professional" would be more appropriate, especially when describing someone's job title or skill in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "master" functions as a noun, verb, adjective, and proper noun, showing a wide range of grammatical roles. Ludwig provides examples in which "master" describes someone with expertise, control, or a person holding a degree. Ludwig AI confirms that "master" is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "master" is a versatile term with multiple grammatical functions, serving as a noun, verb, adjective, and even a proper noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in various contexts, including describing expertise, authority, or control. Its usage spans from formal academic settings to neutral news reporting, requiring careful consideration of context and audience. While historically significant, modern usage should be mindful of potentially outdated or controversial connotations. Ludwig's numerous examples from sources like The Guardian underscore its commonality and adaptability in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expert

Focuses specifically on skill and knowledge in a particular area.

adept

Emphasizes skillfulness and proficiency.

proficient

Highlights competence and ability to perform well.

skilled professional

Combines expertise with a professional context.

ruler

Indicates someone who has dominance and control over an area or a group of people.

controller

Highlights the aspect of managing and directing something.

authority

Stresses the power and right to give orders or make decisions.

dominator

Implies overwhelming control and power over someone or something.

conqueror

Highlights the act of overcoming and gaining control.

commander

Suggests leadership and the ability to direct others.

FAQs

How can I use "master" in a sentence?

You can use "master" to refer to someone with great skill (e.g., "She is a master chef"), someone in control (e.g., "He is the master of his own destiny"), or the original copy of something (e.g., "We need to find the master recording").

What words can I substitute for "master"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "expert", "adept", "controller", or "ruler".

Is it appropriate to use "master" as a title?

While "Master" can be used as a title for young boys or in specific academic or ceremonial contexts (e.g., Master of Arts), its use should be considered carefully due to historical connotations. In many modern contexts, "Mr.", "Ms.", or specific professional titles are preferred.

What does it mean to "master" a skill?

To "master" a skill means to become highly proficient or expert in it. This implies a high level of competence and control over the skill. For example, "It took years to master the art of negotiation".