Acquire knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Acquire knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of learning or gaining understanding about a particular subject or topic. Example: "To excel in this field, it is essential to acquire knowledge of the latest technologies and trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All three versions were inspired by concerns over how humans could acquire knowledge of abstract objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(3) Therefore, it seems that humans could never acquire knowledge of abstract objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then they can acquire knowledge of those parts simply by proving theorems from the given axioms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When we acquire knowledge of how to do something, we may not be able to express our knowledge in words.

The New York Times

But when we acquire knowledge of a truth, we are able to express this knowledge in words.

The New York Times

The argument for the claim that humans could not acquire knowledge of abstract objects proceeds as follows: (1) Humans exist entirely within space-time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another approach, developed by Resnik and Shapiro, is to claim that humans can acquire knowledge of mathematical structures by means of the faculty of pattern recognition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to Plato, people have immaterial souls, and before birth their souls acquire knowledge of abstract objects, so that mathematical learning is really just a process of recollection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Balaguer called this view "full-blooded Platonism," and he argued that it is only by endorsing this view that Platonists can explain how humans could acquire knowledge of abstract objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In so doing, Ms. Sun explained, the company's principals will expand the market for Chinese manufacturing and acquire knowledge of branding and distribution, ultimately looking to create a large apparel company in their home country.

The New York Times

The point here is that full-blooded Platonists can maintain that by proceeding in this way, mathematicians acquire knowledge of abstract objects without the aid of any information-transferring contact with such objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acquire knowledge of" to emphasize a deliberate and active effort to learn and understand a specific subject or skill. For instance, "Students must actively "acquire knowledge of" scientific principles through experimentation".

Common error

While "acquire knowledge of" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "learn about" or "find out about" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire knowledge of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of gaining understanding or learning about something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is a transitive verb phrase, requiring an object to complete its meaning, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

17%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquire knowledge of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that expresses the action of gaining understanding or learning about a subject. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related contexts, reflecting its formal tone. While versatile, it’s important to consider more informal alternatives like "learn about" in casual settings. The phrase emphasizes a deliberate and active effort to learn. Given its widespread use and consistent grammatical correctness as indicated by Ludwig, it remains a valuable phrase for expressing the pursuit of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gain understanding of

Focuses more on comprehension and insight rather than just obtaining information.

Learn about

A more general term, encompassing various ways of gaining knowledge.

Become acquainted with

Emphasizes familiarity and initial exposure to a subject.

Develop an understanding of

Highlights the process of building knowledge over time.

Get to know

A more informal way of expressing the acquisition of knowledge.

Familiarize oneself with

Emphasizes the effort to become knowledgeable about something.

Grasp the basics of

Focuses on understanding fundamental principles.

Build expertise in

Suggests a deeper level of knowledge and skill development.

Obtain insight into

Focuses on gaining a deeper understanding or perspective.

Study

Implies a dedicated and systematic approach to gaining knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "acquire knowledge of" in a sentence?

The phrase "acquire knowledge of" is used to express the process of gaining understanding or learning about a specific topic. For example, "Researchers "acquire knowledge of" new diseases to develop effective treatments."

What are some alternatives to "acquire knowledge of"?

You can use alternatives such as "gain understanding of", "learn about", or "become acquainted with" depending on the context.

Is "acquire knowledge of" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "acquire knowledge of" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a deliberate and active effort to learn and understand, making it appropriate for academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "acquire knowledge of" and "have knowledge of"?

"Acquire knowledge of" indicates the process of gaining knowledge, while "have knowledge of" indicates possession of knowledge. For example, "Students must "acquire knowledge of" algebra before they can "have knowledge of" advanced calculus concepts."