mastery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mastery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area or subject. Example: "Her mastery of the piano is evident in her flawless performances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Runaway is among her best collections and displays all of Munro's mastery: the effortless shifts in time, sometimes across decades; the ability to convey an entire life in a few pages; the exploration of complex truths in uncomplicated language.

The Guardian

The Canadian author Malcolm Gladwell famously argued that it's possible to achieve mastery in any task if you practise it for 10,000 hours.

The Guardian - Sport

Painted around 1333, with Lippo Memmi creating a gothic structure for his panel, he does not have the other artists' Renaissance mastery of perspective and depth.

The Guardian - Arts

Andy Bull Cycling offered many favourite moments: Bradley Wiggins speeding past Luis León Sánchez in the time trial, the women's pursuit team closing on the Americans in the final, Laura Trott's utter mastery of the elimination, the tears of Chris Hoy.

The Guardian - Sport

The narcissist defends against feelings of catastrophic failure by resorting to a fantasy of specialness, an illusion of mastery and control.

The Guardian

Because if there is no bad, how could good get mastery over the bad?" It is a binary, polarising outlook that recalls the tactics of another strongman leader, president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey.

The Guardian

The clip shows how, through a mastery of the science of ballet, a great dancer makes it her own.

The Guardian

Instead, he has taken a Callaghan-style approach to Cameron's mastery of political theatre.

The Guardian

You'd expect the possessor of a look like that to be an out-and-out comedy oddball, but it turns out that behind the beard is a more conventional kind of comic, albeit one whose instinctive mastery of his form immediately marks him out as one to watch.

The Guardian

Whenever I had the opportunity to see one I was impressed by his mastery.

The Guardian - Film

Macdonald's mastery of structure and story, as well as his grace, sensitivity and insight, make him unique and, perhaps, even better than Chandler, according to many lovers of the genre and crime novelists.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mastery" to describe a comprehensive and demonstrable skill or knowledge, not just basic competence. For example, "She demonstrated mastery of the subject matter during her presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "mastery" when simpler terms like "skill" or "knowledge" would suffice, especially in casual conversation. Using "mastery" inappropriately can sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The word "mastery" functions primarily as a noun, representing the state of having complete skill or knowledge of a subject. Ludwig indicates its correct usage in various contexts. Examples showcase it denoting command or expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Mastery" is a noun that describes a comprehensive skill or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, formal business, and scientific domains. When writing, use "mastery" to highlight a profound level of expertise, but be mindful of overusing it in informal settings. Consider synonyms like "expertise" or "proficiency" to achieve greater precision. Given its consistent appearance in authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian, "mastery" remains a reliable and impactful term for conveying a high degree of competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Expertise

Focuses on specialized knowledge or skill in a specific field.

Proficiency

Emphasizes competence and skill acquired through training or practice.

Command

Highlights the ability to control or direct something, often a skill or knowledge base.

Adeptness

Suggests a natural talent or skill combined with experience.

Skillfulness

Highlights the quality of being skilled and competent.

Grasp

Emphasizes understanding and comprehension of a subject or skill.

Familiarity

Suggests a deep understanding and ease of use.

Accomplishment

Implies a completed achievement demonstrating skill.

Control

Focuses on having power and authority over something.

Dominion

Implies ultimate control or sovereignty.

FAQs

How can "mastery" be used in a sentence?

"Mastery" typically refers to a comprehensive understanding or skill in a particular area. For example: "His "mastery" of the subject was evident in his detailed explanation."

What words can I use instead of "mastery"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "expertise", "proficiency", or "command". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

What distinguishes "mastery" from "skill"?

"Skill" generally refers to the ability to do something well, while "mastery" implies a more profound and complete understanding and control. "Mastery" suggests a higher level of expertise than simply having a skill.

Is "mastery" always a positive attribute?

Generally, yes. "Mastery" typically denotes a high level of competence or control. However, context matters; for instance, "mastery of manipulation" would carry a negative connotation.