a rudimentary knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rudimentary knowledge of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a basic or limited understanding of a particular subject or concept. For example, "I have a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish, but I'm still learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Neither showed more than a rudimentary knowledge of the sport.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody should be allowed to graduate in economics without at least a rudimentary knowledge of statistics.

The New Yorker

Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of the internet knows it only takes a minute to create a new email address.

The Guardian - Opinion

Conversely, how many shopkeepers -- even fairly recent immigrants -- do business here without even a rudimentary knowledge of English, as Zihe and Huizhen Zhang do?

The New York Times

Over half of every generation leaves school after 10 years, often with only a rudimentary knowledge of English and similar cultural skills.

The Guardian - Opinion

"1302 Broadway," was Therese's reply, showing a rudimentary knowledge of New York geography -- only there were no Crawfords at that address.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The statement likely seems surprising to anyone with any rudimentary knowledge of economics yet it follows a proud tradition by Argentinian officials of dismissing uncomfortable truths.

The New York Times

There are several indicators or requisites for a successful president: a sense of self, core principles without rigidity, political instincts, an ability to persuade and rudimentary knowledge of policies and people.

The New York Times

"But the possibility that a young man could spend a significant amount of time in prison poses a difficult burden on me, considering my rudimentary knowledge of criminal procedure".

The Guardian

You could even put it in a Google doc and send it to somebody else!" Formulating this list obviously requires rudimentary knowledge of what you do and don't like.

Vice

Withers was obliged to buff up her rudimentary knowledge of Debrett and Who's Who.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating a need for more than just basic knowledge, consider using phrases like "a strong understanding of" or "extensive knowledge of" instead of "a rudimentary knowledge of".

Common error

Avoid using "a rudimentary knowledge of" when you actually mean a thorough or complete understanding. "Rudimentary" implies a basic, introductory level of awareness, not mastery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rudimentary knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, describing the extent or depth of someone's understanding of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct structure and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rudimentary knowledge of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a basic or introductory understanding of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's essential to consider the nuance you want to convey and choose more precise alternatives if a stronger or weaker level of understanding is intended. When using the phrase, be mindful of implying limitations in someone's expertise. Remember to avoid confusing "rudimentary" with "comprehensive", as they represent vastly different levels of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic understanding of

Replaces "rudimentary knowledge" with "basic understanding", focusing on comprehension rather than just awareness.

an elementary grasp of

Replaces "rudimentary knowledge" with "elementary grasp", implying a foundational hold on the subject.

a slight familiarity with

Emphasizes the limited degree of knowing something.

a working knowledge of

Indicates enough knowledge to perform tasks, implying more than just a basic understanding.

a superficial acquaintance with

Suggests a very light or surface-level familiarity, perhaps even less than "rudimentary".

a general awareness of

Focuses on being aware of something, rather than necessarily understanding it deeply.

a limited exposure to

Highlights the limited experience or contact with the subject.

an initial introduction to

Emphasizes that it is a first encounter or learning phase.

a primary insight into

Focuses on gaining some insight, suggesting a deeper level of understanding than just knowing.

a beginning command of

Suggests the start of being in control or proficient, implying a bit more than just knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rudimentary knowledge of" to indicate a basic or introductory understanding of a subject. For example, "She has "a rudimentary knowledge of French", allowing her to understand simple conversations."

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

Alternatives include "a basic understanding of", "a slight familiarity with", or "an elementary grasp of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "rudimentary knowledge in" or "rudimentary knowledge of"?

"Rudimentary knowledge of" is the correct and more common usage. The preposition "of" is typically used to connect knowledge with a subject or field.

How does "a rudimentary knowledge of" differ from "a comprehensive knowledge of"?

"A rudimentary knowledge of" suggests a basic, introductory level of understanding, while "a comprehensive knowledge of" indicates a thorough and complete understanding. They represent opposite ends of the knowledge spectrum.