a fundamental knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a fundamental knowledge of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's general understanding of a particular concept or topic. For example: "He had a fundamental knowledge of mathematics that allowed him to quickly solve complex equations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He was a great soldier, with a fundamental knowledge of his profession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He had a fundamental knowledge of the organization, and he knew the players because he did his homework," Lamoriello said.

The New York Times - Sports

They both came from the same sort of small-town Mississippi and, roughly, of the same era, which is to say they shared a fundamental knowledge of the same sorts of people and things.

The New Yorker

Soon after joining the faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond in 1968, Mr. Meggs found that his layout and typography students lacked a fundamental knowledge of graphic design's past and its relationship to art, architecture, industrial design and popular culture.

The New York Times

Acquire a fundamental knowledge of basic sciences as applied to emergency medicine and have the ability to assess and immediately treat common emergencies.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

One of the challenges in electrochemical biosensor design is gaining a fundamental knowledge of the processes underlying immobilisation of the molecules onto the electrode surface.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Science illustrators, in particular, will have an added advantage if they have a sound fundamental knowledge of science besides demonstrated artistic ability.

Science Magazine

Imaging of the sellar and juxtasellar region in the paediatric population is ideally performed with MRI, and relies on a strong fundamental knowledge of the anatomy and signal characteristics of a normal gland and surrounding structures.

Insights into Imaging

"I have a reasonably fundamental knowledge of the players in England," said Jones, who also expects to "have a coffee" with his old rival Sir Clive Woodward, "and there is technology that enables me to see all the club matches".

Independent

The success of cell-based tissue engineering approaches in restoring biological function will be facilitated by a comprehensive fundamental knowledge of the temporal evolution of the structure and properties of the newly synthesized matrix.

Journal of Biomechanics

In addition to having a good fundamental knowledge of dermatology and cosmetology, the practitioner may also benefit from an understanding of the physiological effects of the individual components of a particular formulation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fundamental knowledge of", ensure you clarify the specific subject or area to which the knowledge applies. For example, "a fundamental knowledge of algebra" is more informative than just "a fundamental knowledge."

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental knowledge of" when describing advanced or specialized understanding. This phrase suggests a basic level of understanding, not mastery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the level of understanding one possesses regarding a particular subject or field. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental knowledge of" is a noun phrase that describes a basic yet essential understanding of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. This phrase is commonly used in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, reflecting its neutral to formal register. It indicates a necessary level of comprehension for engaging with related topics. Related phrases include ""a basic understanding of"" and ""a working knowledge of"". A key writing tip is to always specify the subject area, while avoiding its use when describing advanced expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic understanding of

Emphasizes the elementary nature of the knowledge.

a core understanding of

Highlights the central and most important aspects of the knowledge.

a working knowledge of

Indicates practical knowledge sufficient for a task.

a solid grasp of

Suggests a firm and secure comprehension.

a firm grounding in

Implies a well-established base of knowledge.

an intimate familiarity with

Highlights a deep and personal understanding.

a rudimentary awareness of

Focuses on an initial or basic level of recognition.

a proficient understanding of

Suggests a level of skill and expertise in understanding.

a comprehensive insight into

Focuses on a complete and thorough perspective.

a specialized expertise in

Denotes advanced skill and detailed knowledge in a specific area.

FAQs

How can I use "a fundamental knowledge of" in a sentence?

You can use "a fundamental knowledge of" to describe someone's basic understanding of a subject. For example, "The course requires "a fundamental knowledge of" calculus."

What are some alternatives to "a fundamental knowledge of"?

Some alternatives include "a basic understanding of", "a working knowledge of", or "a solid grasp of", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a fundamental knowledge of" when referring to expertise?

No, "a fundamental knowledge of" implies a basic level of understanding. For expertise, use phrases like "a deep understanding of" or "specialized expertise in".

What's the difference between "a basic knowledge of" and "a fundamental knowledge of"?

While similar, "a fundamental knowledge of" often implies understanding core principles and concepts, whereas "a basic knowledge of" can refer to more superficial familiarity.