a good working knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good working knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's level of understanding or proficiency in a particular 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

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 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

11 human-written examples

Even if you've got a good working knowledge and love of Shakespeare, it's important to get familiar with what's going on in the here and now.

WikiHow

In most positions, whether it's enterprise sales, brand marketing, supply chain logistics, or corporate finance, being competent often consists of having deep functional knowledge in four or five key job areas and a good working knowledge in another four or five.

Harvard Business Review

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When listing skills in a resume or job application, use "a good working knowledge of" to accurately represent your level of competence. This phrase suggests you're capable of applying the knowledge effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a good working knowledge of" if your understanding is superficial. Be honest about your skill level to prevent misrepresenting your capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good working knowledge of" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "knowledge". It typically introduces a noun phrase specifying the area in which someone possesses practical and applicable understanding. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase describes the level of understanding or proficiency in a particular subject or skill.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a good working knowledge of" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's level of proficiency in a particular area. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates practical understanding and the ability to apply that knowledge effectively. Usage is common across News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, denoting a register from neutral to professional. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects your skill level to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives like "a solid grasp of" or "a strong command of" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid grasp of

Emphasizes a firm understanding, possibly implying more certainty than "knowledge".

a sound understanding of

Highlights a reliable and stable comprehension, often implying a deep grasp of the fundamentals.

a strong command of

Suggests a high level of skill and control, often used for languages or complex systems.

a comprehensive understanding of

Highlights the breadth and depth of understanding, implying a thorough grasp of the subject.

a functional understanding of

Focuses on the ability to use knowledge effectively, rather than theoretical understanding.

a practical knowledge of

Emphasizes experience and hands-on understanding, rather than academic learning.

familiarity with

Implies a comfortable acquaintance with a subject, but not necessarily deep expertise.

competence in

Highlights the ability to perform tasks effectively, based on acquired knowledge and skills.

proficiency in

Suggests a high degree of skill and expertise, often acquired through training or practice.

expertise in

Indicates a high level of specialized knowledge and skill in a particular area.

FAQs

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

Provide specific examples of how you've successfully applied that skill in previous situations. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to showcase your competence.

What's the difference between "a good working knowledge of" and "expertise in"?

"A good working knowledge of" suggests competence and practical understanding, while "expertise in" implies a higher level of specialized skill and experience.

When is it appropriate to use "a good working knowledge of" in a cover letter?

Use it when describing skills that are relevant to the job requirements. Tailor the phrase to match the specific qualifications listed in the job description.

What are some skills that commonly require "a good working knowledge of" for professional success?

Examples include programming languages, data analysis tools, project management methodologies, and industry-specific software applications.