a strong working knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong working knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to refer to the understanding or mastery of a subject or skill. For example, "The successful applicant will need to demonstrate a strong working knowledge of computer programming."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Fully fluent in French, Spanish, and English, he also had a strong working knowledge of several other European languages.

The New York Times

Lastly, the treating physician must also have a strong working knowledge of coverage criteria to successfully govern treatment success.

Encyclopedia of Sleep

She has a strong working knowledge of the twentieth-century repertory, and is happy to discuss the pros and cons of Morton Feldman, Sofia Gubaidulina, and Steve Reich.

The New Yorker

At the completion of the course students will have a strong working knowledge of key principles and techniques of public finance and a familiarity with finance instruments.

Cornell University

His biography, now removed, claims he has "a strong working knowledge of human behaviour, indicators of deception, criminal behaviour, the development of situational awareness and experience in the use of all levels of force".

The Guardian

A teacher of the deaf and the son and grandson of elocutionists, he had a strong working knowledge of acoustics and speech but little solid training in mathematics or physics.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

A strong portfolio is a must, while a good working knowledge of popular programmes like Photoshop, InDesign and Fireworks is also usually essential.

The Guardian

Those working with elderly care recipients require a good working knowledge of depression and appropriate help giving responses.

BMC Nursing

Applicants must have a good working knowledge of bedding, and be able to put hooks up straight.

The Guardian - Money

In his years with the union, Mr. Ruttenberg broadened a thorough working knowledge of steel company employment and wage statistics.

The New York Times

The course assumes that you have a good working knowledge of accounting, finance, economics and business strategy.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strong working knowledge of", follow it with a specific subject or skill to provide context and clarity. For example, "a strong working knowledge of data analysis" is more informative than just "a strong working knowledge."

Common error

Avoid using "a strong working knowledge of" without specifying the area of expertise. Being vague diminishes the impact of the statement and leaves the reader wondering about the actual skill or subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong working knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, typically describing a person's skill set or qualifications. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability. The examples illustrate it quantifying the understanding of a skill or subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

23%

News & Media

44%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong working knowledge of" is a commonly used phrase to describe someone's proficiency and practical understanding in a specific subject or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers various examples across academic, news, science and business domains. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to provide context by specifying the area of expertise to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "extensive practical understanding of" or "solid grasp of" can be used to express similar levels of competence. Remember to specify the area of expertise when using the phrase and consult examples for usage guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive practical understanding of

Emphasizes the breadth and practicality of the knowledge.

considerable hands-on experience with

Focuses on the practical experience aspect.

solid grasp of

Highlights a firm and reliable understanding.

deep familiarity with

Indicates a thorough and intimate understanding.

proficiency in

Highlights competence and skill level.

competence in

Focuses on the ability to perform effectively.

expertise in

Highlights specialized knowledge and skill.

mastery of

Indicates a high level of skill and control.

comprehensive understanding of

Emphasizes the completeness of the knowledge.

thorough acquaintance with

Stresses a detailed and complete familiarity.

FAQs

How can I use "a strong working knowledge of" in a sentence?

You can use "a strong working knowledge of" to describe someone's proficiency in a particular skill or subject. For example, "The job requires "a strong working knowledge of" project management software".

What are some alternatives to "a strong working knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "extensive practical understanding of", "solid grasp of", or "deep familiarity with", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a strong working knowledge of" or "expertise in"?

While both phrases indicate competence, "expertise in" suggests a higher level of skill and specialization compared to "a strong working knowledge of", which implies a practical understanding.

What does "working knowledge" specifically imply in "a strong working knowledge of"?

"Working knowledge" indicates that someone has sufficient understanding and skill to use the knowledge effectively in practical applications, rather than just theoretical understanding.