to master

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to master" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the process of gaining complete knowledge or skill in a subject or activity. Example: "She worked hard to master the piano." Alternative expressions include "to excel at" and "to become proficient in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

to master the knowledge.

The New Yorker

It was something to master.

The New Yorker

I try to master it.

The New York Times - Books

He also had to master 3-D.

The New Yorker

It takes a long time to master.

The New York Times - Sports

We had to master their schedules.

The New Yorker

"It's hard to master the night".

The New York Times

WOODWORKING is a tricky skill to master.

The New York Times - Tech

That's a good thing to master.

The New York Times

He has to master his technique".

The New York Times - Sports

It can be tough to master.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with abstract concepts like 'emotions' or 'narratives', as seen in high-quality journalism, to imply deep psychological or intellectual control.

Common error

Do not use "to master" for trivial or basic activities that require little effort. For instance, one does not 'master' opening a door; they simply learn how to do it. Reserve the phrase for skills that require time, practice and dedication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to master" serves as an infinitive verb phrase that functions either as a noun, an adjective or an adverb. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often acts as the direct object of a verb or as part of a 'take + time' construction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness in all standard English contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki & Educational

30%

Science & Academic

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to master" is an exceptionally robust and versatile phrase in the English language. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used to signify the pinnacle of skill acquisition. Whether you are discussing technical skills like 3D modeling, artistic pursuits like the violin or internal struggles like mastering one's narrative, the phrase provides a strong sense of achievement and authority. The data shows it is most prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources, highlighting its role as a standard for setting goals and measuring expertise. Writers should use it to emphasize a high degree of proficiency that goes beyond basic learning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to become proficient in

More formal and often used in professional or academic contexts.

to develop expertise in

Standard business phrasing for long-term skill acquisition.

to gain command of

Implies authority and control over a complex system or language.

to learn inside out

Emphasizes a comprehensive and exhaustive knowledge of the subject.

to perfect

Suggests refining a skill until no further improvement is possible.

to get the hang of

Informal and implies an intuitive understanding after a period of struggle.

to excel at

Focuses on performing the skill at an exceptionally high level.

to conquer

Used metaphorically for particularly difficult or daunting challenges.

to acquire

A more clinical or technical term for gaining a new ability.

to dominate

Stronger tone that suggests competitive superiority.

FAQs

How do I use "to master" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe reaching an expert level, such as in "She worked hard "to master" the violin" or "It takes years "to master" a foreign language".

What is the difference between "to master" and "to learn"?

While "to learn" refers to the general process of acquiring knowledge, "to master" implies achieving the highest possible level of skill or understanding.

Is "to master" too formal for daily conversation?

No, it is a versatile phrase. While common in academic writing, it is perfectly acceptable in casual speech when discussing hobbies or life skills. For a more relaxed tone, you might say "to get the hang of" instead.

Can "to master" be used for emotions?

Yes, it is often used in psychological contexts. For example, one might strive "to master one's fears" or anxiety.