Basic knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"basic knowledge" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a fundamental level of understanding or familiarity with a particular subject or topic. Example: It is important for employees to have basic knowledge of computer skills in today's workplace.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Basic knowledge about flooding will help people avoid high-risk areas.

The Guardian

Basic knowledge and condom access and availability are necessary for increased condom usage, but not sufficient.

Plosone

Basic knowledge regarding the mechanism, the enzymes responsible for this modification and their regulation is lacking.

Plosone

Basic knowledge of the freecycling rules.

WikiHow

They bring basic knowledge and we start from there".

The Guardian - Tech

Its also underperforms on access to basic knowledge," Green said.

The Guardian

You need a good working basic knowledge of statistics.

The New York Times

There's still basic knowledge to get out of the textbooks, but it's not enough".

The New York Times

"They have to maintain that basic knowledge if they want to maintain that license".

The New York Times

The knowledge required to remove the filters exceeded the basic knowledge of the operators.

The Guardian

Predicting surf requires basic knowledge because each lakeshore develops waves under different circumstances.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing requirements for a role or task, specify the level of "basic knowledge" needed. For example, "Candidates should possess basic knowledge of data analysis software" clarifies expectations.

Common error

Avoid overstating someone's abilities by assuming "basic knowledge" equates to expertise. Acknowledge the foundational nature of basic skills to set realistic expectations and encourage further learning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic knowledge" primarily functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in specifying requirements or describing a level of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

27%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basic knowledge" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a fundamental level of understanding across diverse subjects. Ludwig's AI confirms this, showing its applicability in News & Media, Science, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. When using "basic knowledge", ensure clarity about the specific skills and proficiency level required. Alternative phrases such as "fundamental understanding", "elementary grasp", or "introductory awareness" can provide nuanced distinctions, as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fundamental understanding

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of knowledge, implying a solid base upon which further learning can be built.

Elementary grasp

Highlights a simple, initial understanding, often suggesting a beginner's level of familiarity.

Introductory awareness

Focuses on being initially informed or acquainted with a subject, implying a surface-level knowledge.

Rudimentary acquaintance

Suggests a very basic and limited familiarity, often implying a minimal level of skill or information.

Working knowledge

Implies a practical level of understanding sufficient to perform specific tasks or functions.

General familiarity

Highlights a broad, non-specialized understanding of a topic, suitable for general conversation or awareness.

Superficial insight

Denotes a shallow level of understanding, lacking depth or comprehensive analysis.

Beginner's expertise

Indicates the level of expertise a beginner should possess; it is not advanced but is still considered expertise for that stage.

Core competence

Highlights the primary, indispensable skills and knowledge required to fulfill a role or function effectively.

Initial skill

Implies a starting level of proficiency or capability, typically acquired through introductory training or experience.

FAQs

How can I use "basic knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "basic knowledge" to describe a foundational understanding of a subject, as in "A "basic knowledge" of accounting is helpful for managing personal finances".

What's a good alternative to "basic knowledge"?

Alternatives include "fundamental understanding", "elementary grasp", or "introductory awareness", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "basic basic knowledge"?

Yes, saying "basic basic knowledge" is redundant. The term "basic knowledge" already implies a fundamental level of understanding, so adding "basic" again is unnecessary.

What is the difference between "basic knowledge" and "expert knowledge"?

"Basic knowledge" refers to a foundational understanding of a subject, while "expert knowledge" indicates a comprehensive and in-depth understanding gained through extensive experience and study. One is introductory; the other is advanced.