a breadth of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"a breadth of knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a wide range of knowledge about a certain topic. For example, "She has a breadth of knowledge about Shakespearean plays."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He had such a breadth of knowledge.

University of California, Berkeley

Fundraisers need such a breadth of knowledge to do their job well.

The Guardian

Since most of these people were going through his guesthouses, he had a breadth of knowledge".

The New York Times

"The Americans champion a breadth of knowledge, the British a depth".

Independent

But you also need that crossbar of a breadth of knowledge.

The New York Times

Fidelity rotates its analysts from one Select fund to another to give them a breadth of knowledge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Simultaneously employers may become more aware of what the new generation of scientists has to offer--a breadth of knowledge and skills and versatility.

Science Magazine

Geological disposal of long-lived radioactive waste is a technical area characterised by a breadth of multidisciplinary knowledge wider than almost any other industry.

Geological Repository Systems for Safe Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuels and Radioactive Waste

Geological disposal of long-lived radioactive waste is a technical area characterized by a breadth of multidisciplinary knowledge wider than almost any other industry.

Geological Repository Systems for Safe Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuels and Radioactive Waste

Grouped thematically, the essays reveal a historian with an unrivaled breadth of knowledge and an admirable passion for his subject, and one who has contributed a continent-wide perspective to colonial history.

University of Pennsylvania

My courses at HGSE are helping me become a better teacher with a greater breadth of knowledge in the field of education.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a breadth of knowledge" to emphasize the wide-ranging nature of someone's understanding across multiple subjects or aspects within a field. For example, "The ideal candidate possesses a breadth of knowledge in both marketing and finance."

Common error

Avoid using "a breadth of knowledge" when you actually mean in-depth understanding or expertise in a specific area. "Breadth" refers to a wide range, while "depth" signifies detailed knowledge within a narrow scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a breadth of knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the extent and variety of someone's understanding. Ludwig examples show its use in describing qualities of people, educational programs, and requirements for jobs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

54%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a breadth of knowledge" is a common and correct phrase used to describe a wide-ranging understanding across multiple subjects or aspects within a field. As Ludwig AI explains, this noun phrase functions to highlight someone's extensive expertise and is suitable for neutral and formal registers, particularly in academic, scientific and news contexts. When writing, remember that "breadth" refers to range, not depth; to avoid confusion, consider alternatives such as "a wide range of knowledge" or "extensive knowledge". The phrase enjoys widespread use across credible sources, establishing its reliability and appropriateness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide range of knowledge

Focuses on the variety and scope of information.

a comprehensive understanding

Emphasizes the depth and completeness of comprehension.

extensive knowledge

Highlights the vast amount of information possessed.

a broad understanding

Similar to "a breadth of knowledge" but slightly less formal.

a wealth of knowledge

Emphasizes the abundance and value of the information.

a general understanding

Suggests a less detailed but still comprehensive awareness.

a diverse array of knowledge

Focuses on the variety of different types of knowledge.

considerable expertise

Highlights skill and experience in a particular area.

a deep reservoir of information

Illustrates a plentiful and thorough supply of data.

a panoramic view of knowledge

Focuses on a wide-angled, all-encompassing knowledge perspective.

FAQs

How do I use "a breadth of knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "a breadth of knowledge" to describe someone who has a wide range of understanding. For example, "She demonstrated a breadth of knowledge during the presentation".

What's the difference between "a breadth of knowledge" and "a depth of knowledge"?

"A breadth of knowledge" indicates a wide understanding across many topics, while "a depth of knowledge" suggests detailed understanding within a specific area.

What can I say instead of "a breadth of knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "a wide range of knowledge", "extensive knowledge", or "a broad understanding" depending on the context.

Is it better to have "a breadth of knowledge" or "a depth of knowledge"?

Neither is inherently better; it depends on the situation. "A breadth of knowledge" is useful for general roles or interdisciplinary work, while "a depth of knowledge" is essential for specialized positions.