a generous knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous knowledge" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to describe a broad or extensive understanding of a subject, but it may require additional context to clarify its meaning. Example: "Her generous knowledge of classical literature made her an excellent teacher."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'm not really into bragging, but because of my incarceration, I now have a generous knowledge of the gang world, especially its existence behind the fence.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The narratives Dalrymple unearths are fascinating and sometimes painfully moving, and he surrounds them with generous knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

A generous interpretation implies that all our knowledge, even that clearly provided by experience, is innate.

SEP

Debi was generous, a generous soul.

The New Yorker

A generous offer.

The Economist

A generous holiday allowance?

Independent

A generous gift?

The New York Times

"It was a generous thing".

The New Yorker

It's a generous meal".

The New Yorker

Carlos Acosta is a generous host.

Independent

It fetched a generous £313,250.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a generous knowledge", clarify the specific area or subject to which the knowledge applies to avoid ambiguity. For example, "a generous knowledge of ancient history".

Common error

Avoid using "generous" excessively to describe intangible qualities. While it can work for "knowledge", overuse diminishes its impact. Consider alternatives like "extensive", "profound", or "comprehensive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous knowledge" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "generous" modifies the noun "knowledge". It describes the extent or abundance of someone's understanding, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it denotes substantial understanding of the gang world.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a generous knowledge" is a grammatically sound but relatively uncommon phrase used to describe a broad and extensive understanding of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable, although not the most frequently used way to convey this meaning. Contexts for its use often involve news and media, and while not incorrect, writers should consider alternatives like "extensive knowledge", "comprehensive understanding", or "vast knowledge" for more common and potentially clearer expressions. Its rarer usage and possibility of sounding awkward makes the choice of using it more nuanced than many other similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive knowledge

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the knowledge.

comprehensive understanding

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the understanding.

broad understanding

Focuses on the wide range of topics covered by the understanding.

deep understanding

Stresses the depth and insightfulness of the understanding.

vast knowledge

Implies an immense quantity of knowledge.

considerable expertise

Highlights skill and experience in a particular area.

substantial understanding

Focuses on the significant amount of understanding.

profound knowledge

Emphasizes the depth and insightfulness of the knowledge.

ample knowledge

Suggests a sufficient or more than sufficient amount of knowledge.

wide-ranging knowledge

Highlights knowledge that spans across many different subjects.

FAQs

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

You can use "a generous knowledge" to describe someone who has a broad and extensive understanding of a particular subject. For example: "Because of his incarceration, he now has "a generous knowledge" of the gang world".

What are some alternatives to saying "a generous knowledge"?

Some alternatives include "extensive knowledge", "comprehensive understanding", or "broad understanding" depending on the context.

Is "a generous knowledge" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a generous knowledge" is grammatically correct, but it's not the most common or idiomatic way to express the idea of having a lot of knowledge. Other options such as "vast knowledge" or "considerable expertise" might be more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "a generous knowledge"?

"A generous knowledge" is appropriate when you want to emphasize not only the breadth of someone's knowledge but also perhaps the idea that they freely share it or use it to benefit others. It is less about precision and more about a general appreciation for someone's learning.