a wide knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who is well-informed about a particular subject. For example, "She has a wide knowledge of world geography and history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It was a spectacular misjudgment: a wide knowledge of music does not neccessarily denote any musical ability, as countless awful bands fronted by music journalists have proved.

The Guardian

Where dramatists today often start writing straight from college, Wesker – like his contemporaries Harold Pinter and John Osborne – brought to theatre a wide knowledge of life.

The Guardian

Five years later he commanded the 38th Engineer Regiment, which had elements scattered across the world, enabling him to acquire a wide knowledge of military and political problems.

The Guardian

Gavin was a good student and an Eagle Scout, and he picked up a wide knowledge of science and engineering from his parents.

The New Yorker

What is clear about the thrillers is that whoever wrote them had a wide knowledge of the American tough-guy school of detective fiction.

The Guardian - Sport

"What is clear is that throughout their school careers, pupils gain a wide knowledge of British history – from Roman Britain to the second world war".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

To encourage Jews toward a wider knowledge of secular subjects, Peretz for several years wrote articles on physics, chemistry, economics, and other subjects for Di yudishe bibliotek (1891 95; "The Jewish Library"), which he also edited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Bing has a wider knowledge of issues and legislative machinations in Albany, but he is also a close enough ally of Speaker Sheldon Silver that he might not make much of an effort to shake up an Assembly that desperately needs more independent voices.

The New York Times

It also gives a wider knowledge of bee preferences in local floral.

AMB Express

raising awareness of the operators involved and the improvement of their technical and professional skills; a wider knowledge of procedures and competencies in health care professionals involved in care of victims; to strengthen an integrated procedure to assist the victims.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Other objectives include: raising awareness of the operators involved and the improvement of their technical and professional skills; a wider knowledge of procedures and competencies in health care professionals involved in care of victims; to strengthen an integrated procedure to assist the victims.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wide knowledge of" to emphasize the breadth and scope of someone's understanding in a particular area. This phrase is suitable for describing expertise in multiple aspects of a subject, rather than deep, specialized knowledge in a single area.

Common error

Avoid using "a wide knowledge of" when describing expertise that is highly specialized or focused on a single aspect. Instead, use phrases that emphasize depth, such as "deep expertise in" or "specialized knowledge of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the extent of someone's understanding or familiarity with a particular subject. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

22%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wide knowledge of" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe a broad understanding of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources, indicating a formal to neutral register. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize breadth of understanding rather than depth, and consider related phrases like "extensive understanding of" or "broad understanding of" for subtle variations. Be mindful to use alternative phrasing if discussing a highly specialized or focused area of expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad understanding of

Similar to "a wide knowledge of" but emphasizes understanding rather than just knowing facts.

extensive understanding of

Focuses on the depth of comprehension rather than breadth of knowledge.

comprehensive grasp of

Indicates a complete and thorough understanding.

deep familiarity with

Highlights a close and intimate acquaintance with the subject.

thorough acquaintance with

Suggests a detailed and well-developed understanding.

considerable expertise in

Focuses on specialized skill and knowledge in a particular area.

substantial insight into

Highlights a deep and intuitive understanding.

impressive command of

Indicates a high level of skill and control over a subject.

vast experience in

Emphasizes practical exposure and skill gained over time.

a great deal of information about

Highlights the quantity of information possessed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wide knowledge of" to describe someone's broad understanding of a subject. For example, "She has a wide knowledge of European history" or "He demonstrated a wide knowledge of various programming languages."

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

Alternatives include "extensive understanding of", "broad understanding of", or "comprehensive grasp of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a wide knowledge of" or "a deep understanding of"?

It depends on the context. "A wide knowledge of" suggests familiarity with many aspects of a subject, while "a deep understanding of" implies a thorough comprehension of core principles. Use the phrase that best reflects the type of expertise you're describing.

What does it mean to have "a wide knowledge of" something?

Having "a wide knowledge of" something means possessing a broad familiarity with its various aspects and components, but not necessarily an in-depth understanding of each individual element. It's about breadth rather than depth.