a substantive knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantive knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a deep or significant understanding of a particular subject or field. Example: "To excel in this role, you must have a substantive knowledge of data analysis techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The choice of which individual responses to use when aggregating should be theoretically driven and informed by a substantive knowledge of the clinical environment in question.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A substantive knowledge base regarding leadership of teaching and learning in VPE is lacking.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

The ICS provides a valuable addition both to the substantive knowledge of immigrant populations across Europe and to the development of methodological tools that will contribute to making further progress in the study of hard-to-reach populations.

Comparative Migration Studies

In all, rationalists have a strong argument for the Intuition/Deduction thesis relative to our substantive knowledge of the external world, but its success rests on how well they can answer questions about the nature and epistemic force of intuition made all the more pressing by the classic empiricist reply.

SEP

Insofar as they maintain that our knowledge of necessary truths in mathematics or elsewhere by intuition and deduction is substantive knowledge of the external world, they owe us an account of this form of necessity.

SEP

However, many in Parliament want him to offer candidates with substantive knowledge of the ministries they would lead.

The New York Times

In either case the systems engineer obviously needs considerable substantive knowledge of the fields involved in order to make reliable plans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Criticism of this alleged derivation gives rise to the general question of how formal principles of logic can possibly serve to ground substantive knowledge of reality.

SEP

Logic is not purely formal, from Frege's point of view, but rather can provide substantive knowledge of objects and concepts.

SEP

Only intuition and deduction can provide the certainty needed for knowledge, and, given that we have some substantive knowledge of the external world, the Intuition/Deduction thesis is true.

SEP

The first half of the Critique of Pure Reason argues that we can only obtain substantive knowledge of the world via sensibility and understanding (roughly, our capacities of sense experience and concept formation cooperate to form empirical judgments).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantive knowledge of" to convey that someone possesses a significant and in-depth understanding of a subject, not just a superficial awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantive knowledge of" when a simpler phrase like "familiarity with" or "understanding of" would suffice. The phrase is best reserved for situations where deep expertise is genuinely required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantive knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies another noun. It describes the type or quality of knowledge someone possesses. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantive knowledge of" is a grammatically correct phrase that denotes a deep and significant understanding of a topic. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is appropriate for emphasizing expertise beyond superficial awareness. While not extremely common, it finds its place in formal contexts, especially within scientific, news, and encyclopedic domains. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when you want to stress a thorough and meaningful grasp of a subject, but be mindful of not overusing it in simpler contexts where "understanding of" would suffice. Consider also alternatives like "a deep understanding of" or "considerable expertise in" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep understanding of

Emphasizes the profundity and thoroughness of comprehension.

considerable expertise in

Focuses on specialized skills and knowledge.

a comprehensive grasp of

Focuses on the breadth and completeness of understanding.

a strong command of

Indicates a high level of proficiency and mastery.

an extensive background in

Highlights experience and learning accumulated over time.

a detailed insight into

Highlights perceptive understanding and nuanced perspective.

a thorough familiarity with

Stresses detailed knowledge and close acquaintance with the subject.

a solid foundation in

Suggests a firm base of knowledge upon which to build.

a working knowledge of

Implies practical skills and the ability to apply knowledge effectively.

an intimate acquaintance with

Implies a very close and personal familiarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantive knowledge of" to describe someone's deep understanding of a subject, as in, "The role requires "a substantive knowledge of" financial markets."

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

Some alternatives include "a deep understanding of", "a thorough familiarity with", or "considerable expertise in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a substantive knowledge of" or "a substantial knowledge of"?

Both "substantive" and "substantial" can work, but "substantive" often implies more depth and importance, while "substantial" suggests a significant amount. The choice depends on the specific context.

What does "a substantive knowledge of" imply?

It implies a thorough, meaningful, and practical understanding of a subject, going beyond surface-level awareness. It suggests the person can apply the knowledge effectively.