a certain knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain knowledge" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the idea that knowledge is certain, such as in the phrase "I have a certain knowledge of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Most hunters, Mr. Chapel said, "do have a certain knowledge of what's required of them" in such potentially hazardous circumstances and do not simply blaze away.

The New York Times

Greenspan does have a way of explaining his thinking in a manner that assumes a certain knowledge of economics and history, and this book fills a function with its usually clear explanations of references that some readers would find obscure.

The New York Times - Books

What is lacking is the sort of book that you want to read in bed – an Elizabeth David or Jeffrey Steingarten of wine, perhaps – to make you smile, think and, rather than trying to educate, assumes a certain knowledge and interest on the part of the reader.

The Guardian - Books

Of course this year the arrival of the trees felt tinged with an unusual sadness, a certain knowledge that while annual rituals like these bind the years together from one to the next, this season is in fact like no other the city has ever experienced.

The New York Times - Arts

It takes a certain knowledge and sophistication about how the big-dollar centers operate.

Forbes

Handling this notion involves tackling several challenges, demanding to system designers a certain knowledge and expertise about this notion.

Procedia Computer Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Thus, for instance, after these nineteenth-century developments, philosophers who dream of a completely certain knowledge of right and wrong secured by logical inference from self-evident principles can no longer propose Euclidean geometry as an instance in which a similar goal has proved attainable.

SEP

Even observation statements, Popper maintains, are fallible, and science in his view is not a quest for certain knowledge, but an evolutionary process in which hypotheses or conjectures are imaginatively proposed and tested in order to explain facts or to solve problems.

SEP

One thinks of the author well into his ninth decade, setting down those final passages with a hidden smile and a writer's certain knowledge that they won't see this coming.

The New York Times - Books

Contemporary philosophers continue to argue about what constitutes knowledge and whether there can be a kind of certain knowledge that is immune to skeptical doubt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Second, as many contemporary rationalists accept, intuition is not always a source of certain knowledge.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain knowledge" when you want to indicate that someone possesses a specific, though perhaps not fully defined, level of understanding about a subject.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain knowledge" when describing truly expert-level understanding. Instead, opt for terms like "extensive expertise" or "profound understanding" to more accurately reflect the depth of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain knowledge" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "knowledge". It indicates that the knowledge being referred to is specific and defined to some extent, but the exact nature or level of knowledge might not be explicitly stated. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain knowledge" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone possesses a specific, though perhaps not fully defined, understanding of a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. When using this phrase, consider whether it accurately reflects the level of expertise you wish to convey, as overstating or understating can be misleading. Related phrases like "a confident knowledge" or "a precise knowledge" can offer more specific nuances. Keep in mind that while it's a versatile phrase, choosing the most appropriate alternative will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a confident knowledge

Emphasizes assurance and certainty in the knowledge possessed.

a certain expertise

Highlights specialized skill or knowledge in a particular area.

a precise knowledge

Suggests detailed and accurate understanding.

a certain awareness

Focuses on the recognition or understanding of a particular fact or situation.

a detailed knowledge

Emphasizes the depth and comprehensiveness of the understanding.

a certain acquaintance

Suggests a basic or introductory level of familiarity with a subject.

a clear knowledge

Highlights the lucidity and absence of ambiguity in the understanding.

a certain familiarity

Indicates a comfortable level of understanding gained through experience.

a certain information

Focuses on possessing particular data or facts.

a particular knowledge

Highlights knowledge that is distinct and specific.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain knowledge" to describe someone's understanding of a topic, as in, "The job requires a certain knowledge of accounting principles."

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

You can use alternatives like "a confident knowledge", "a certain expertise", or "a precise knowledge" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a certain knowledge" or should I use another phrase?

"A certain knowledge" is grammatically correct and widely used. Whether it's the best choice depends on the specific context. Other options might include "some knowledge" or "a basic understanding".

What is the difference between "a certain knowledge" and "a deep understanding"?

"A certain knowledge" suggests a specific level of familiarity or skill, while "a deep understanding" implies a more profound and comprehensive grasp of the subject.