a good knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a good knowledge of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a person's familiarity with a certain subject or topic. For example, "John has a good knowledge of French literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The SHKP man appeared to have a good knowledge of Kallakis's loans and asked informed questions.

The Guardian

Communication experts who have a good knowledge of waste and recycling issues are in demand.

The Guardian

Nobody would disagree that children should have a good knowledge of British history.

The Guardian - Opinion

Applicants should have a good knowledge of China including its regions, politics and culture.

The Economist

Some natives continue their education and acquire a good knowledge of Russian culture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The preparation of these missions requires a good knowledge of the rotation of Mercury.

Advances in Space Research

A good knowledge of the flow pattern is essential to establish adequate hydrodynamic correlations.

Chemical Engineering Science

This can be achieved by a good knowledge of road attributes and vehicle dynamic behaviors.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Ecosystem management and decision making process are dependent of a good knowledge of ecosystem functioning.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

These studies have resulted in a good knowledge of the essential features required for efficient catalysis.

Bioelectrochemistry

These methods require a good knowledge of the dispersal agent behaviour for a given species.

Ecological Modelling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, specify the area of expertise after the phrase. For example, "a good knowledge of financial markets" is more informative than just "a good knowledge".

Common error

Avoid using "a good knowledge of" when describing expertise you don't genuinely possess. Overstating your capabilities can damage credibility; be honest about your skill level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good knowledge of" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a noun and preposition, modifying another noun. It describes the extent of someone's understanding or expertise in a specific area. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good knowledge of" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe someone's understanding or expertise in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in science, news and media, and formal/business contexts. When using the phrase, be sure to specify the area of knowledge for clarity. Consider alternative phrases like ""a thorough understanding of"" or "familiarity with" to fine-tune your meaning. Avoid overstating your own expertise and always strive for honest and accurate self-representation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial knowledge of

Emphasizes the depth and breadth of understanding more strongly than "good".

a thorough understanding of

Replaces "knowledge" with "understanding" to highlight comprehension.

a comprehensive grasp of

Suggests a complete and firm understanding, often implying practical application.

a solid grounding in

Implies a fundamental and reliable knowledge base.

a working knowledge of

Focuses on the ability to use knowledge effectively in practical situations.

familiarity with

Indicates a general awareness and acquaintance, less in-depth than "good knowledge".

conversant with

Suggests being well-informed and able to discuss a topic intelligently.

well-versed in

Highlights extensive knowledge gained through study or experience.

proficient in

Emphasizes skill and competence in applying knowledge.

acquainted with

Indicates a basic level of awareness, often introductory.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good knowledge of" to describe someone's understanding or expertise in a particular area. For example, "She has "a good knowledge of Italian cuisine"" or "He requires "a good knowledge of programming" for this role.

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

Some alternatives include "a thorough understanding of", "a strong grasp of", or being "familiar with", depending on the specific context and the level of expertise you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a good knowledge of" or "a good understanding of"?

Both phrases are correct and often interchangeable. "A good knowledge of" emphasizes the amount of information someone possesses, while "a good understanding of" highlights the ability to comprehend and apply that information. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to have "a working knowledge of" something?

Having "a working knowledge of" something means you have enough knowledge to use it effectively in practical situations. It implies a level of competence that allows you to perform tasks or solve problems related to that subject, even if you are not an expert.