sense of mastery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of mastery" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a feeling of confidence or competence in a particular topic, activity, or skill. For example, "After months of studying and hard work, she felt a sense of mastery over the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This sense of mastery carries over into Mr. Kolker's lean but ductile prose.

The New York Times - Books

She bought him workbooks consisting of straightforward calculations and he enjoyed the sense of mastery.

The New York Times

Later, that sense of mastery is what I strove for in my professional life.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's better to have a plan, to keep some sense of mastery and control".

The New York Times

Her playing was technically brilliant, lively and characterful, imbued with a sense of mastery and commitment.

The New York Times - Arts

The lessons are designed to instill a sense of mastery in the residents.

The New York Times - Tech

— the dangers seemed to be outweighed by the benefits of conquering fear and developing a sense of mastery.

The New York Times - Science

Israel celebrates its seventieth anniversary on April 18th, and Benjamin Netanyahu's government is straining to exude a sense of mastery.

The New Yorker

A descriptive correlation study has been designed to examine the relationships between uncertainty, sense of mastery, boundary ambiguity, and anxiety.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

It often offers the most chances for success, the most positive feelings and the greatest sense of mastery.

TechCrunch

Further aims were to determine possible predictors of poor sleep quality and sense of mastery, as well as the consequences of too little sleep.

Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of mastery" to highlight the psychological benefit of gaining competence in a new skill, not just the skill itself. This adds depth and emphasizes personal growth.

Common error

Avoid equating "sense of mastery" with unattainable perfectionism. Mastery involves competence and control, but allows for mistakes and ongoing learning, unlike the rigid demands of perfectionism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of mastery" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a subjective feeling of competence or control over a particular domain, task, or skill. This is corroborated by Ludwig examples, showing its role in expressing personal achievement and capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of mastery" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a feeling of competence and control. Ludwig's analysis confirms its frequent use in both scientific and news contexts, indicating its broad applicability. It is important to use "sense of mastery" to highlight the psychological benefit of gaining competence, rather than simply stating the skill itself. Alternatives like "feeling of competence" or "command of a skill" can be used depending on the specific context. Avoid confusing "sense of mastery" with perfectionism, as mastery embraces learning and growth, not unattainable ideals. As stated by Ludwig AI, "sense of mastery" is usable in written English and this comprehensive guide offers a path to using it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of competence

Focuses on the emotional aspect of being capable.

feeling of control

Emphasizes the aspect of being in charge or having power over a situation.

sense of accomplishment

Highlights the satisfaction derived from completing a task successfully.

command of a skill

Directly refers to expertise in a specific skill or ability.

grasp of a subject

Implies a thorough understanding and knowledge of a particular topic.

expertise in a field

Focuses on having specialized knowledge and skill in a specific area.

proficiency in a task

Emphasizes the ability to perform a task efficiently and effectively.

adeptness at something

Highlights natural talent or skill in a particular area.

capability to execute

Refers to the inherent ability to carry out a task or project.

mastery of the art

Specifically denotes exceptional skill and understanding in an art form.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of mastery" to describe the feeling of competence and control one gains after mastering a skill or subject. For example, "After completing the challenging project, she experienced a profound "sense of mastery".".

What's a good alternative to "sense of mastery"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "feeling of competence", "command of a skill", or "grasp of a subject".

Is it correct to say 'a sense of mastery' or just 'sense of mastery'?

Both 'a sense of mastery' and 'sense of mastery' are grammatically correct, but 'a sense of mastery' is more common when referring to a specific instance or experience of feeling competent.

How does "sense of mastery" differ from "self-efficacy"?

"Sense of mastery" refers to a general feeling of competence and control, while "self-efficacy" specifically relates to one's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or tasks.