a functional knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a functional knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a practical understanding or ability in a specific area or subject. Example: "To succeed in this role, you need to have a functional knowledge of programming languages."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

background: This lesson plan is recommended for students with a functional knowledge of labor unions and the labor movement.

The New York Times

At his company, people from a variety of specialties have to pick up a functional knowledge of the latest project.

Science Magazine

Mathematical cognition as it relates to quantitative literacy includes a functional knowledge of mathematics content an ability to handle mathematics that one might find in everyday life; that is, mathematics necessary to balance a checkbook, shop for groceries, read a map or bus schedule, or read the newspaper.

International Journal of STEM Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I've spent about a year of my life in Taiwan and China, and I have a basic, functional knowledge of Mandarin Chinese.

The New Yorker

This highlights the caveat that the interpretation of Bayesian networks can benefit from additional a priori functional knowledge of the mediators investigated and that larger data sets - unsurprisingly - generate models which more accurately represent mediator inter-relationships, as demonstrated by the use of VBSSM models.

BMC Systems Biology

Furthermore, they are generally focused on a single data type (mostly gene expression) and none of them facilitate the use of a functional knowledge base to construct query gene lists.

BMC Genomics

It comprises a formal constraints-based approach for representing the desired functions, a domain-independent approach for modeling functional knowledge of known principle solutions, and a heterogeneous-object-state-search-based approach for synthesizing known principle solutions together for achieving the desired functions.

Computer-Aided Design

Despite these structural advances, sequence information on tarantula muscle proteins, which could provide a critical complement to structural and functional knowledge of this muscle, has been lacking: no tarantula muscle-related sequences, either mRNA or protein, are yet in public databases.

BMC Genomics

In fact, Ads have been the paradigm of virus chimerism technology, based on the unique Ad serotype diversity, the outstanding level of structural and functional knowledge of Ads, and established comprehensive engineering technologies.

Adenoviral Vectors for Gene Therapy

Finally, experimental functional knowledge of one or more members is not a prerequisite for a family being part of Pfam.

Briefings in Bioinformatics

It allows quantitative, simultaneous analysis of thousands of transcript profile in a cell or tissue under specific biological conditions without requiring prior, complete functional knowledge of the genes to be analysed.

BioData Mining

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's skills, use "a functional knowledge of" to indicate they have enough practical knowledge to perform tasks effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a functional knowledge of" when describing mastery or deep expertise; it implies a working understanding rather than comprehensive knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a functional knowledge of" serves as a qualifier, modifying a noun to describe the type and extent of knowledge possessed. It suggests a practical, working understanding rather than a theoretical or comprehensive one. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a functional knowledge of" describes a practical, working understanding of a subject, sufficient for performing tasks effectively. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and professional settings. Alternatives such as "a working knowledge of" or "a practical understanding of" can be used to convey a similar meaning, while expert knowledge implies a deeper understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a working knowledge of

Emphasizes the practical application of knowledge rather than just theoretical understanding.

a practical understanding of

Highlights the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.

a proficient grasp of

Suggests a higher level of skill and competence than "functional knowledge".

a basic command of

Implies a more fundamental level of understanding, sufficient for simple tasks.

a competent handling of

Focuses on the ability to manage and execute tasks effectively.

a decent awareness of

Suggests a general understanding without necessarily implying skill.

a sound foundation in

Highlights the presence of a strong base of knowledge.

an elementary expertise in

Implies a very basic level of skill and competence.

a rudimentary acquaintance with

Suggests a superficial understanding, often gained through brief exposure.

a minimal aptitude for

Implies the person has the basic natural skill to perform adequately.

FAQs

What does "a functional knowledge of" mean?

It indicates a practical understanding or ability to use knowledge effectively, rather than just theoretical knowledge.

How to use "a functional knowledge of" in a sentence?

Use it to describe someone's ability to apply knowledge in a specific area. For example: "To be an effective project manager, you need "a functional knowledge of" project management methodologies."

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

You can use alternatives like "a working knowledge of", "a practical understanding of", or "a basic command of" depending on the level of expertise you want to convey.

Is "a functional knowledge of" the same as "an expert knowledge of"?

No, "a functional knowledge of" implies a practical understanding sufficient for performing tasks, while "an expert knowledge of" suggests a much deeper and more comprehensive understanding.