a good working knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good working knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's proficiency or familiarity with a subject or skill. Example: "To apply for this position, you should have a good working knowledge of programming languages such as Python and Java."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

CERN's official languages are English and French, so if you want to work there you'll need a good working knowledge of one, and it's desirable that you have a basic knowledge of the other (or demonstrate a willingness to acquire it... CERN runs English and French language lessons for its employees).

Science Magazine

Those working with elderly care recipients require a good working knowledge of depression and appropriate help giving responses.

BMC Nursing

His work in the orchestra pit gave him a good working knowledge of the operas of Gounod and other composers, classic and contemporary.

Wikipedia

There is, arguably, a forgery going on in the work of all biographers, who are required to have a good working knowledge of documentary evidence but must inevitably start conjecturing about what was going on in the subject's mind – and to some degree creatively ventriloquising his or her thoughts.

The Guardian - Film

In World War 1, she worked in a Red Cross hospital, and this experience gave her a good working knowledge of poisons, ingredients that.

The New York Times

In World War 1, she worked in a Red Cross hospital, and this experience gave her a good working knowledge of poisons, ingredients that turn up rather frequently in her books.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Yes, you have good working knowledge of accounting, an idea of how to bring in sales leads, run a marketing and PR campaign, recruit people and build a great company culture, but that won't help you build a product that customers want.

TechCrunch

Tim Hughes, principal horticultural training officer, Royal Horticultural Society A good working knowledge of horticultural practices and plants is essential to be a really good garden designer.

The Guardian

You need a good working basic knowledge of statistics.

The New York Times

Supervisors and co-workers attitudes, beliefs and basic knowledge about how to be supportive and how to promote a good working environment is important [ 48, 49].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

We've got a good working relationship".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good working knowledge" in job descriptions, clearly define what level of proficiency is expected. This helps candidates accurately assess their suitability for the role.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a good working knowledge" implies expert-level proficiency. It suggests a solid understanding sufficient for practical application, not necessarily exhaustive expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good working knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and common usage. It describes the level of understanding or skill someone possesses in a particular area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good working knowledge" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a level of competence or skill sufficient for practical application. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and frequency in diverse contexts, from academic and scientific publications to news articles and online guides. While it doesn't imply expert-level proficiency, it suggests a solid understanding that enables effective performance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the expected level of proficiency and avoid assuming it equates to exhaustive expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Solid understanding

Emphasizes the firmness and reliability of the understanding.

Strong grasp

Highlights the ability to firmly hold and understand a concept.

Decent understanding

Suggests a satisfactory, but not necessarily exceptional, level of understanding.

Practical familiarity

Focuses on hands-on experience and comfort with the subject matter.

Competent in

Highlights the user's skills and ability to perform tasks effectively.

Proficient in

Suggests a high degree of skill and expertise.

Adequate expertise

Indicates a sufficient level of skill and experience for a particular purpose.

Reasonable command

Implies a good level of control and understanding of a subject.

Functional awareness

Focuses on the ability to use knowledge in a practical way.

Conversant with

Implies familiarity and ease in discussing a topic.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate "a good working knowledge" in an interview?

Provide specific examples of how you've successfully applied your knowledge in past situations. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to showcase the impact of your skills.

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

You can use alternatives like "solid understanding", "strong grasp", or "practical familiarity" depending on the context.

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

Both are acceptable, but "a good working knowledge of" often implies practical application, while "a good understanding of" suggests theoretical comprehension. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

How does "a good working knowledge" differ from "expertise"?

"A good working knowledge" indicates competence and practical skill, whereas "expertise" implies a much deeper, more specialized level of mastery and experience. One suggests capability; the other, authority.