master's

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "master's" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the title given to the person who has completed an advanced degree program, such as a master's degree or a master's of business administration (MBA). It may also be used in the same way for someone who is an expert in a certain field (master's swordsman), or to refer to something that belongs to a person of such a degree (my master's thesis). For example: "After completing his master's degree in economics, John was ready to start his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

UPenn master's in systems engineering.

Forbes

A master's?

The New York Times - Magazine

His master's voice?

The Economist

"A master's degree in.

The New Yorker

Studied for her master's degree.

Independent

Should you take a master's?

The Guardian

Its teachers have master's degrees.

The New York Times

Master's degree from Teachers College.

The New York Times

"A master's degree in..

The New Yorker

His Master's cock stirred.

The Guardian - Books

One supposedly was her master's child.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "master's" to indicate possession or belonging to someone holding a master's degree, for instance, "master's thesis".

Common error

Avoid using "masters" when referring to a singular possessive; use "master's". For example, it is "master's degree", not "masters degree".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "master's" primarily functions as a possessive noun, indicating ownership or association with a master's degree. Ludwig shows examples like "master's degree" and "master's thesis" demonstrating this possessive use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

29%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "master's" functions primarily as a possessive noun and adjective, typically referring to academic degrees. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. To ensure clarity, avoid confusing it with the plural form, "masters", and remember that it denotes possession or association. As Ludwig's examples show, you'll find "master's" often used in academic, news, and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

master degree

Omits the possessive apostrophe.

masters degree

Omits the possessive apostrophe and uses plural "masters".

master of arts

Specifies a type of master's degree.

master of science

Specifies a type of master's degree focused on scientific fields.

master's level

Refers to the educational level associated with a master's degree.

doctoral

Indicates a higher level of education than a master's.

expert's

Focuses on expertise rather than a specific degree.

proprietor's

Indicates ownership, which can be a meaning of "master's".

schoolmaster's

Refers to a school teacher, a traditional meaning of "master".

controller's

Implies control, a traditional meaning of "master".

FAQs

How to properly write about having a master's degree?

You can say, "I have a "master's degree" in..." or "I am a "master's degree holder"."

What is the difference between a master's degree and a bachelor's degree?

A "master's degree" is a postgraduate degree, typically requiring a bachelor's degree for admission and involving more specialized study.

Is it correct to say "masters degree" instead of "master's degree"?

While commonly used, "masters degree" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""master's degree"", indicating possession.

What can I do with a "master's degree"?

A "master's degree" can open doors to more advanced career opportunities, higher salaries, and specialized roles in various fields.