a vast knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a vast knowledge of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a large amount of information or understanding that someone has. For example: "She has a vast knowledge of ancient history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He had a vast knowledge of Russian theatre.

The Guardian

Amy said the spelling challenge raised her self-esteem and gave her "a vast knowledge of words".

The New York Times

He had a vast knowledge of theater, music and art, great curiosity and a high energy level.

The New York Times

Swidden cultivators possess a vast knowledge of plants growing in swidden fallows and of fallow dynamics as well.

Forest Ecology and Management

He had a vast knowledge of art and architectural history, literature, and the best restaurants and bars in every major city across the globe.

The New York Times

Holmes, in this interpretation, is an intellectual with a vast knowledge of arcane matters, but he's also a brawler and a prankster, and he's formidably street-smart.

The New Yorker

He enlarged and printed snapshots from people's family albums, which, as he has pointed out, gave him a vast knowledge of Soviet amateur photography.

The New York Times - Arts

"Joyce has a vast knowledge of colleges and the advantage of a small counseling load," said Bill Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions at Harvard.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Clinton's reputation as a stiff, lawyerly speaker whose vast knowledge of policy minutiae doesn't connect emotionally with people stands in sharp contrast to Trump's brash, freewheeling style that delivers intuitively but offers little depth or substance.

Harvard University

We have also seen companies use technology to promise, at the prick of a finger or drop of saliva, vast knowledge of, and answers about, our health.

HuffPost

"As a selector and radio personality, his vast knowledge of the Jamaican music and its culture has helped to educate and fascinate music lovers around the would, he's an amazing son of the music, and an icon.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vast knowledge of", ensure the context clearly indicates the breadth and depth of the knowledge being described. Provide specific examples or areas of expertise to strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast knowledge of" when the subject's understanding is only superficial or limited. Use more appropriate phrases like "a basic understanding of" or "some familiarity with" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe the extent of someone's understanding or expertise. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it often modifies a person or entity possessing significant information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

13%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast knowledge of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a broad and deep understanding of a particular subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly reflects the extent of the knowledge being described and avoid overstating the subject's understanding. Alternatives like "a broad understanding of" or "a wide-ranging expertise in" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formidable knowledge of

Emphasizes the impressive and potentially intimidating nature of the knowledge.

a broad understanding of

Focuses on comprehension across a wide range of topics.

a wide-ranging expertise in

Highlights expertise covering many different areas.

a comprehensive grasp of

Stresses the thoroughness and completeness of understanding.

an extensive acquaintance with

Indicates a detailed and prolonged familiarity with a subject.

a substantial command of

Highlights mastery and control over a particular subject or skill.

a profound insight into

Emphasizes deep and penetrating understanding.

an impressive familiarity with

Highlights the extent of someone's knowledge on a subject.

a deep-seated understanding of

Highlights a profound and firmly established understanding.

an encyclopedic knowledge of

Suggests an extremely wide and detailed range of knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vast knowledge of" to describe someone's expertise or understanding in a particular area. For example: "She has "a vast knowledge of" Renaissance art."

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

Some alternatives include "a broad understanding of", "a wide-ranging expertise in", or "a comprehensive grasp of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a vast knowledge on" instead of "a vast knowledge of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "a vast knowledge" is "of". Saying "a vast knowledge on" is grammatically incorrect.

How does "a vast knowledge of" differ from "a basic understanding of"?

"A vast knowledge of" implies a deep and extensive understanding, while "a basic understanding of" suggests only a rudimentary grasp of the subject. Therefore, you should chose the one that better describes someone's awareness on that area.