a precise knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precise knowledge" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct expression would be "precise knowledge" without the article "a." Example: "Having precise knowledge of the subject matter is essential for the exam."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If detectors are to perform as designed a precise knowledge of the location of the different elements, with precision similar to the intrinsic detector resolution, is required.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Few people have a precise knowledge of the size or scope of the N.S.A.'s domestic-surveillance powers.

The New Yorker

Some officials have suggested that the efforts are linked and that he or his sons left power with a precise knowledge of Iraq's weapons program.

The New York Times

Each night, they observed when crowds emerged after the final curtain, developing a precise knowledge of the duration, if not the content, of works in the repertory.

The New Yorker

A precise knowledge of the identity of the receiver and a thorough study of its behaviour are therefore indispensable for the understanding of mimicry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you don't have a precise knowledge of how an array works, you are likely to misuse arrays, and that will cause bugs.

The New York Times

"Before seeking pardon, it is necessary to have a precise knowledge of the facts," he wrote in a letter released yesterday, in which he expressed his "strong appreciation" of the research.

The Guardian

On Sundays, there was not only marshmallow-and-maraschino-cherry salad and something called Grandma Jell-O but "prime rib with au jus," a precise knowledge of French or English or even food coloring not being the restaurant's strong suit.

The New Yorker

On Sundays, there was not only marshmallow-and-maraschino-cherry salad and something called Grandma Jell-O but "prime rib with au jus," a precise knowledge of French — or English or even food coloring — not being the restaurant's strong suit.

The New Yorker

Establishing structure properties relationships for an associative polymer requires a precise knowledge of its structure.

Polymer

Many daylighting applications require a precise knowledge of the directional transmission features of advanced fenestration materials.

Energy and Buildings

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the article "a" before "precise knowledge". The correct phrasing is simply "precise knowledge". For example, use "precise knowledge of the subject is essential" instead of "a precise knowledge of the subject is essential".

Common error

The most common error is the inclusion of the indefinite article "a" before "precise knowledge". This is grammatically incorrect. Always omit the article for correct usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a noun modifier, where the adjective "precise" qualifies the noun "knowledge". However, Ludwig AI indicates that the article "a" is grammatically incorrect in this context, rendering the phrase non-standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

14%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a precise knowledge" is frequently used, particularly in scientific and news contexts, but is considered grammatically incorrect according to Ludwig AI. The correct form omits the article "a", resulting in "precise knowledge". While common, writers should avoid this phrasing and opt for alternatives like "accurate knowledge" or "detailed understanding" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accurate knowledge

Replaces "a precise knowledge" with "accurate knowledge", correcting the grammatical error by omitting the article.

Detailed understanding

Substitutes "knowledge" with "understanding" and "precise" with "detailed", offering a similar meaning but with different wording.

Exact understanding

Replaces "precise knowledge" with "exact understanding", giving an alternative but very similar meaning.

Thorough comprehension

Uses "thorough comprehension" instead of "precise knowledge", emphasizing the depth of understanding.

Comprehensive grasp

Replaces "precise knowledge" with "comprehensive grasp", focusing on the complete understanding of a subject.

In-depth awareness

Substitutes "precise knowledge" with "in-depth awareness", highlighting a deep level of consciousness or familiarity.

Complete mastery

Emphasizes a high level of skill or knowledge, replacing "precise knowledge" with "complete mastery".

Profound insight

Uses "profound insight" instead of "precise knowledge", suggesting a deep and penetrating understanding.

Expertise

Replaces the whole phrase with a single word that expresses the concept of precise and comprehensive knowledge.

Mastery of the subject

Expresses similar idea using a slightly longer more verbose version of precise knowledge.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "a precise knowledge"?

The correct way is to omit the article "a" and simply say "precise knowledge". For example, "Having precise knowledge of the subject is essential."

What can I say instead of "a precise knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "accurate knowledge", "detailed understanding", or "thorough comprehension" depending on the context.

Why is "a precise knowledge" grammatically incorrect?

The phrase is grammatically incorrect because "knowledge" is generally considered an uncountable noun. Uncountable nouns typically do not take the indefinite article "a" or "an". Prefer using other alternatives such as "accurate knowledge".

Is there a difference between "a precise knowledge" and "precise knowledge"?

Yes, "a precise knowledge" is grammatically incorrect, while "precise knowledge" is the correct form. Always omit the article "a" when referring to knowledge in a general or abstract sense. Prefer using other alternatives such as "thorough comprehension".