a working knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a working knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the concept of being familiar with a subject or having a basic understanding of a concept. For example, "Having a working knowledge of mathematics is essential for success in the sciences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many of them presuppose a working knowledge of genealogy.

The New York Times

(He has a working knowledge of fifteen others).

The New Yorker

He also had a working knowledge of Greek.

The Guardian

I need a working knowledge of each set of conditions, pension regulations and pay scales.

The Guardian

"Bernie was endearing, but he didn't even have a working knowledge of the business".

The New York Times

He spoke six languages fluently and had a working knowledge of a half dozen more.

The New York Times

By the end of their first year, Dan Everett had a working knowledge of Pirahã.

The New Yorker

All I lack is a microscope -- and a working knowledge of flora and fauna.

The New York Times - Magazine

Just one designer, one self-timer button, a working knowledge of Photoshop and voila!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Americans once had a working knowledge of dozens of herbs, she said.

The New York Times

On some of our jobs in the Americas you need to have a working knowledge of Spanish.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the area of knowledge, be precise. Instead of just saying "a working knowledge", specify "a working knowledge of data science".

Common error

Avoid using "a working knowledge of" when you actually have only a superficial understanding. Be honest about your level of expertise to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a working knowledge of" functions as a modifier to describe the level of competence or understanding one possesses in a particular area. It indicates a practical, rather than theoretical, understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a working knowledge of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a practical understanding or competence in a particular field. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business settings. While it implies a functional level of understanding, it doesn't suggest expertise. When using this phrase, ensure you accurately represent your level of competence and specify the area of knowledge. Consider alternatives like ""a practical understanding of"" or ""familiarity with"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a practical understanding of

Emphasizes the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.

an operational knowledge of

Focuses on the knowledge required to operate or manage something.

a functional understanding of

Indicates an understanding sufficient to perform tasks effectively.

a working command of

Suggests a level of control and skill in using knowledge.

a basic grasp of

Suggests a foundational understanding, possibly less comprehensive.

familiarity with

Highlights acquaintance and recognition, without necessarily implying competence.

a rudimentary knowledge of

Implies a very basic or introductory level of understanding.

competent in

Highlights proficiency and capability in a particular area.

conversant in

Suggests familiarity through conversation and discussion.

exposure to

Implies having been introduced to a subject, without necessarily mastering it.

FAQs

How to use "a working knowledge of" in a sentence?

You can use "a working knowledge of" to describe a basic level of understanding or skill in a particular subject. For example, "The job requires "a working knowledge of Spanish"".

What can I say instead of "a working knowledge of"?

You can use alternatives like "a practical understanding of", "familiarity with", or "a basic grasp of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a working knowledge of" or "a working understanding of"?

Both "a working knowledge of" and "a working understanding of" are correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a working knowledge of" and "expertise in"?

"A working knowledge of" implies a basic level of competence, while "expertise in" suggests a high level of skill and experience. "Expertise in" indicates mastery, whereas "a working knowledge of" simply means you can function adequately.