a broad knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a broad knowledge of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea of understanding a range of information related to a specific topic. For example, "Jill's a broad knowledge of international law made her a valuable asset to the firm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patelson stayed up late pricing inventory and had a broad knowledge of music.

The New York Times

It is desirable that the physics major have a broad knowledge of general chemistry and that the chemistry major have a broad knowledge of general physics.

Columbia University

His personality was nourished by a broad knowledge of the arts and was also stimulated by learning and scholarship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Additionally, four out of five indicated that they preferred an employee with a broad knowledge of many topics.

Stanford University

People attempting the puzzles not only need excellent maths skills but must have a broad knowledge of the English language as well as some French.

The Guardian

New chemical products have historically been created by combining a broad knowledge of existing chemical products with scientific experimentation.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Applicants should have a broad knowledge of the health, welfare, education and other aspects of public policy and an ability to write clearly and perceptively about them.

The Economist

The intent of this minor is to provide a broad knowledge of the fundamentals, rather than to train the student in a particular application domain.

Cornell University

In response to questions, students should show a broad knowledge of the relevant literature, an understanding of the underlying principles, and knowledge of analytical modeling.

Princeton University

An immersive experience in a Near Eastern language and a broad knowledge of the civilizations, history and literatures of the ancient, medieval, and modern Near East and beyond.

Princeton University

Judaic Studies enables students to develop a broad knowledge of the history, religion, literature, philosophy, languages, and politics of the Jews.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a broad knowledge of" when emphasizing the importance of having a general understanding of various aspects within a particular field. This suggests a well-rounded perspective, which is valuable in many professional and academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad knowledge of" when deep, specialized expertise is required. While breadth is valuable, it doesn't replace the need for in-depth understanding in specific situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase that describes the extent of someone's understanding or awareness regarding a particular subject or field. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase serves to highlight the comprehensive nature of one's understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

39%

News & Media

31%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad knowledge of" is a versatile phrase that signifies a general understanding across various topics within a field. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently employed in academic, news, and scientific contexts to emphasize the breadth of one's understanding. While not requiring deep specialization, it showcases a well-rounded perspective that is valuable in many situations. Alternatives such as "extensive understanding of" or "general awareness of" can be used depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive understanding of

Focuses on the depth and comprehensiveness of understanding, rather than just breadth.

wide-ranging expertise in

Highlights the specialized skill or knowledge in multiple areas.

comprehensive grasp of

Emphasizes a complete and thorough understanding.

general awareness of

Suggests a basic familiarity rather than in-depth knowledge.

thorough familiarity with

Implies a detailed and intimate knowledge.

well-rounded background in

Focuses on having diverse experiences and knowledge in different aspects of a field.

holistic perspective on

Implies understanding something by viewing it as a whole, interconnected system.

interdisciplinary knowledge of

Highlights knowledge spanning multiple academic disciplines.

varied understanding of

Emphasizes understanding different facets or interpretations.

diversified skill set in

Focuses on the variety of skills possessed rather than breadth of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I improve my "a broad knowledge of" a subject?

To improve your "a broad knowledge of" a subject, try reading widely across different sources, attending introductory courses or workshops, and engaging in discussions with people who have expertise in various aspects of the field.

What's the difference between "a broad knowledge of" and a deep understanding?

"A broad knowledge of" implies familiarity with many areas, while a deep understanding suggests thorough expertise in specific aspects. You can have "extensive understanding of" one topic, but "a broad knowledge of" many.

What are some synonyms for "a broad knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "general awareness of", "wide-ranging expertise in", and "comprehensive grasp of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what situations is "a broad knowledge of" most useful?

"A broad knowledge of" is especially valuable in roles that require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication across different disciplines or departments. It's useful for connecting disparate ideas and understanding the bigger picture.