a great knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great knowledge" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to a significant amount of knowledge in a specific context, but it is more natural to use "great knowledge of" or "a wealth of knowledge." Example: "She has a great knowledge of ancient history, which makes her an excellent guide for the museum tour."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"He has a very good sense of humor and a great knowledge of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Are there any other people in the music industry with a great knowledge of birds (4)?

The Guardian - Music

Steve McClaren has a great knowledge but seems to be quiet and not dominant enough.

The Guardian - Sport

He has a great knowledge of modern technology, but he isn't a nerd.

The Guardian

His work is completely modern, but it is steeped in a great knowledge of history".

The New York Times - Arts

Andy has a great knowledge of rugby, excellent communication skills and bags of positive energy.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It would take a greater knowledge of his poems than I possess to say whether or not he had much to say about Scotland as an independent nation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Once you have a greater knowledge of injustices happening in the world, it feels neglectful not to do anything about it," Melissa said.

The New Yorker

He met and dispatched the provincial managers, having quizzed them on the details, of which he always seemed to command a greater knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

We watch what we want, when we want to – and with that freedom has come a greater knowledge of shows from all over the world.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

While there is a greater knowledge of coeliac disease in the UK, there is a downside to being lumped in with the hipsters.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great knowledge", consider adding "of" followed by the subject area to make the phrase sound more natural. For example, "a great knowledge of history".

Common error

Avoid using "a great knowledge" without specifying the subject matter. This can sound incomplete. Instead, specify what the knowledge pertains to. For instance, instead of saying "He has a great knowledge", say "He has a great knowledge of marine biology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great knowledge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to indicate that someone possesses a significant amount of information, understanding, or expertise in a particular area. As the Ludwig AI suggests, specifying "of" is better to avoid being perceived as incomplete.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

26%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a great knowledge" is used to describe someone's extensive understanding or expertise. While grammatically acceptable, the Ludwig AI points out that it sounds more natural when followed by "of" and the subject area. Its usage is common across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, but primarily occurs in neutral register. For enhanced clarity and impact, related phrases such as "extensive knowledge" or "profound understanding" can be considered. Overall, while "a great knowledge" is not incorrect, being mindful of the context and opting for more specific phrasing can improve the quality and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive knowledge

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of knowledge.

profound knowledge

Highlights the depth and insightfulness of the knowledge.

deep understanding

Focuses on comprehension and insight rather than just information.

considerable expertise

Highlights skill and experience in a specific area.

substantial knowledge

Implies a significant amount of information and understanding.

wide-ranging knowledge

Indicates knowledge spanning across many areas.

comprehensive understanding

Stresses thoroughness and completeness of understanding.

exceptional grasp

Highlights an outstanding ability to understand something.

remarkable expertise

Emphasizes the unusual and noteworthy nature of the expertise.

in-depth knowledge

Focuses on thorough and detailed understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great knowledge" to describe someone's expertise or understanding in a specific area. For example, "She has a great knowledge of classical music" or "He demonstrated a great knowledge of the subject matter".

What are some alternatives to "a great knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "extensive knowledge", "profound understanding", or "deep expertise" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a great knowledge of" or just "a great knowledge"?

It is generally better to say "a great knowledge of" followed by the subject area, as it provides more context and sounds more natural. Saying just "a great knowledge" can sound incomplete.

What's the difference between "a great knowledge" and "a greater knowledge"?

"A great knowledge" refers to a significant amount of knowledge, while "a greater knowledge" implies a comparative increase in knowledge. For example, "She has a great knowledge of art history", versus "She has a greater knowledge of art history than I do".