a prodigious knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prodigious knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has an impressive or extraordinary level of knowledge about a particular subject. Example: "Her prodigious knowledge of ancient history made her the go-to expert for the documentary series."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Ian combines a prodigious knowledge of the resources sector, keen policy instincts and great advocacy skills," Pearson said.

The Guardian

Four years ago his debut feature, "Brick," a film noir spoof set in a contemporary high school, announced the arrival of a director with a prodigious knowledge of film genres and a visual flair to match.

The New York Times

Bertrand Russell, who had a prodigious knowledge of history and a crisp wit, claimed in 1930 that he could think of only two useful contributions that religion had made to civilization.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

His influence, they say, stems from a prodigious knowledge acquired over four decades of how the sun, the oceans, the land, the atmosphere, ice and vegetation work together to shape the earth's climate; an ability to fashion that knowledge into a coherent picture and a quickness to discern how emerging bits of information and insight fit into or alter the picture.

The New York Times - Science

(Drink up, Martian!) Pableaux Johnson, a child of Louisiana with prodigious knowledge of this city's food scene, was among the crowd.

The New York Times - Food

This single year of clinical training served Bert well and the prodigious knowledge of internal medicine he derived from it was put to good use in teaching and in advising his friends on medical matters.

Harvard University

Stiles has previously written biographies of Jesse James and Cornelius Vanderbilt, and his prodigious knowledge of 19th-century institutions is on display throughout "Custer's Trials". He is able to situate Custer in the shifting culture of the Civil War and its aftermath in a way no other biography has achieved.

The Washington Post

But his greater detachment in his later decades, with his prodigious knowledge of the history of the left, gave him much greater insight into British politics than most participants, and in 1981 he published his prophetic lecture called "The Forward March of Labour Halted?".

The Guardian - Books

Alternately affable and irascible, with his flat Northern vowels and prodigious knowledge of the game, Coleman's "garrulous gurgle," as the Daily Telegraph once called it, swept away the decorous BBC English that marked the first generation of bow-tied, pencil-mustached TV commentators.

The New Yorker

In this frolicking tale of good taste, Monsieur Pamplemousse, known primarily for the sophistication of his palate, his culinary prowess and his prodigious knowledge of good food and wines, is pressed into service to provide an extraordinary meal for an extraordinary occasion.

Los Angeles Times

Even Carter's prodigious knowledge, his phenomenal recall of data, can count against him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a prodigious knowledge of" to clearly convey that someone possesses an exceptionally large amount of information and understanding in a specific area. For example, "She has a prodigious knowledge of astrophysics."

Common error

Avoid using "a prodigious knowledge of" when describing general awareness or basic familiarity. This phrase is best suited for individuals with truly exceptional and comprehensive understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prodigious knowledge of" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an exceptional degree of knowledge. It highlights the extent and depth of someone's understanding in a particular subject. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prodigious knowledge of" is a descriptive phrase used to denote an exceptionally deep and extensive understanding of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia and Science. While the frequency of the expression is considered uncommon, its usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and appropriateness. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the scale and depth of the knowledge you are describing, and avoid using it for general awareness or basic familiarity. Alternatives include "a vast understanding of" or "an extensive expertise in".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A vast understanding of

Replaces "prodigious knowledge" with "vast understanding", focusing on comprehension rather than just information.

An extensive expertise in

Substitutes "knowledge" with "expertise", highlighting specialized skill and competence.

A deep familiarity with

Emphasizes close acquaintance and understanding through experience.

A comprehensive grasp of

Highlights a thorough and complete understanding of the subject.

A remarkable command of

Focuses on the ability to control and utilize knowledge effectively.

An impressive awareness of

Highlights consciousness and understanding of a particular subject.

A substantial body of knowledge regarding

Emphasizes the accumulation of a large amount of information.

A considerable insight into

Focuses on the depth and understanding gained about a topic.

A wide range of knowledge about

Highlights the breadth of knowledge across multiple areas.

An exceptional proficiency in

Emphasizes skill and competence acquired through training or practice.

FAQs

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

Use "a prodigious knowledge of" to describe someone's exceptionally large and comprehensive understanding in a specific field. For example: "The historian had "a prodigious knowledge of" ancient Rome, making his lectures captivating."

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

Alternatives include "a vast understanding of", "an extensive expertise in", or "a deep familiarity with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "prodigious knowledge in" instead of "prodigious knowledge of"?

While "in" might seem grammatically plausible, the correct and more common phrasing is "a prodigious knowledge of". The preposition "of" correctly establishes the relationship between the knowledge and its subject.

What's the difference between "a prodigious knowledge of" and "a working knowledge of"?

"A prodigious knowledge of" signifies an exceptionally large and comprehensive understanding. In contrast, "a working knowledge of" implies a practical, sufficient understanding for basic functionality and application in that field.