master of

USAGE SUMMARY

"master of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate occupation or expertise in a particular area. For example, "John is a master of marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Directors are master of tone".

Independent

| "Master of Melodrama: Teuvo Tulio".

The New Yorker

Master of metaphor, at three.

The New Yorker

He's the master of bombast".

The New York Times

Forget Master of the Senate.

The New York Times

The master of it all".

The New Yorker

Powell was a master of urban observation.

The New Yorker

• INSIDE TRACK: A master of understatement.

The New York Times

Liszt was a master of rebranding.

The New York Times - Arts

Brahms is a master of understatement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sinatra is the master of that difference.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "master of" to clearly indicate someone's high level of skill or expertise in a specific domain. For instance, "She is a master of negotiation", demonstrating her exceptional skills in deal-making.

Common error

Avoid using "master of" for general skills or attributes. It's more effective when paired with a specific, demonstrable skill or area of expertise. Saying "He is a master of life" is less impactful than "He is a master of conflict resolution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "master of" functions as a compound noun phrase, typically used to ascribe a high degree of skill, expertise, or control over something. It often precedes a specific area of competence, as Ludwig exemplifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "master of" is a versatile and widely used expression to denote a high level of skill, expertise, or control. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it is most effective when paired with specific skills or areas of expertise. For alternatives, consider "adept at" or "expert in" to convey similar meanings. Remember to use "master of" when you want to emphasize exceptional proficiency and command in a particular domain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expert in

Stresses deep knowledge and recognized authority.

authority on

Focuses on recognized expertise and knowledge.

adept at

Focuses on skill and proficiency, implying a high level of competence.

proficient in

Highlights competence and efficiency in a particular area.

skilled in

Emphasizes the possession of specific skills and abilities.

genius at

Implies exceptional intellectual ability and creativity.

in control of

Indicates the ability to manage and direct a situation or entity.

commander of

Implies leadership and direction within a structured organization.

ruler of

Suggests absolute authority and governance.

virtuoso of

Highlights exceptional technical skill and artistry.

FAQs

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

Use "master of" to describe someone with exceptional skill or control in a specific area. For example, "She is a master of disguise", or "He is the master of his own destiny".

What are some alternatives to "master of"?

Alternatives include "adept at", "skilled in", "expert in", or "proficient in", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "master of"?

It is appropriate to use "master of" when you want to emphasize a very high level of skill, control, or expertise. It suggests a deep understanding and proficiency in a particular domain.

Is "master of" formal or informal?

The phrase "master of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards formal due to its strong emphasis on expertise.