mastery of

USAGE SUMMARY

"mastery of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a high level of skill or knowledge that someone has acquired in a particular area. For example: "Jane's mastery of Spanish allows her to communicate fluently with native speakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's about mastery of rescue.

The New Yorker

Mastery of material was secondary.

The New York Times

Its mastery of rock theatre was obvious.

The New Yorker

So did her mastery of public relations.

The New Yorker

There was also her mastery of poetry.

The New York Times - Books

Few claim mastery of the labyrinth.

The New York Times

He has a complete mastery of English.

The New York Times - Sports

Another is his mastery of relocation.

The Guardian - Music

But the mastery of filmmaking hasn't abated.

The New York Times

Different labs have mastery of different techniques.

The New Yorker

"When you teach mastery of skills, you build self-esteem".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mastery of" when you want to emphasize a comprehensive and deep level of skill or knowledge. It suggests more than just competence; it implies a high degree of expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "mastery of" when simpler terms like "knowledge of" or "skill in" are more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mastery of" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition. It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing a high level of skill, knowledge, or control. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in indicating expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mastery of" is a widely used phrase to denote a high level of skill or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while the numerous examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its versatility across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While synonyms like "command of" or "expertise in" exist, "mastery of" carries a specific connotation of deep understanding and comprehensive ability. When writing, it's best to reserve "mastery of" for situations where a truly exceptional level of skill is being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

command of

Replaces "mastery" with "command", emphasizing control and authority.

expertise in

Focuses on specialized knowledge and skill in a particular field.

proficiency in

Highlights competence and skill achieved through training or practice.

skill in

A more general term emphasizing ability.

adeptness at

Emphasizes natural talent and quickness in learning.

familiarity with

Indicates a good level of knowledge and understanding.

grasp of

Emphasizes understanding and comprehension.

knowledge of

Focuses on the theoretical understanding of a subject.

control over

Highlights the ability to manage or direct something.

understanding of

Focuses on comprehension and insight.

FAQs

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

You can use "mastery of" to describe someone's high level of skill or expertise in a particular area. For example, "Her mastery of the piano was evident in her performance".

What are some alternatives to "mastery of"?

Alternatives include "command of", "expertise in", "proficiency in", or "skill in", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "mastery of" or "mastery in"?

"Mastery of" is generally preferred and more grammatically correct when referring to a specific subject or skill. "Mastery in" is less common but can be used to describe overall excellence within a broader field.

What does "mastery of a subject" imply?

"Mastery of a subject" implies a comprehensive understanding and exceptional skill in that subject, going beyond basic knowledge to a deep and nuanced comprehension.