acquire knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

"acquire knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to gaining knowledge or information. For example, "He wanted to acquire knowledge of foreign cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

All three versions were inspired by concerns over how humans could acquire knowledge of abstract objects.

Britannica

(3) Therefore, it seems that humans could never acquire knowledge of abstract objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then they can acquire knowledge of those parts simply by proving theorems from the given axioms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Learners acquire knowledge of the assembly sequence of a bicycle e-motor.

Procedia CIRP

When we acquire knowledge of how to do something, we may not be able to express our knowledge in words.

The New York Times

But when we acquire knowledge of a truth, we are able to express this knowledge in words.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

For Alexander (according to Gersonides) had claimed that immortality is achieved when the intellect acquires knowledge of the Agent Intellect (hence the term "acquired intellect" is introduced).

SEP

But when one acquires knowledge of a scientific proposition, that too is an instance of learning.

The New York Times

Prichard received his early education at Bristol and early acquired knowledge of European and Oriental languages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The defendants have not sought to add their acquired knowledge of MCAT question content to the public realm.

Harvard University

Another priest, a former army padre, is considered to be an embarrassment to both church and state for acquiring knowledge of "secret torture houses" in the confessional.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquire knowledge of" in academic or formal writing, ensure the context clearly defines the subject matter and the method of acquisition. For example, 'Students acquire knowledge of calculus through rigorous coursework.'

Common error

While "acquire knowledge of" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "learn about" or "find out about" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "acquire knowledge of" is to act as a verb phrase describing the action of obtaining information or skills. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquire knowledge of" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that describes the process of gaining information or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in formal and academic settings. While simpler alternatives exist for informal conversation, "acquire knowledge of" is valuable for its precision and emphasis on deliberate learning. The phrase appears frequently in scientific, encyclopedic, and news media sources, highlighting its relevance across multiple disciplines. The contexts in which "acquire knowledge of" is used indicate that it serves the communicative purpose of clearly stating the process of learning in a deliberate and structured way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learn about

A more general term for becoming informed about something, often implying a less formal process.

gain insight into

Focuses on developing a deeper understanding, often implying a more profound level of comprehension.

build awareness of

Highlights the process of becoming conscious or informed about something.

develop expertise in

Emphasizes building a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular area.

assimilate information regarding

Focuses on integrating new knowledge into one's existing understanding.

cultivate understanding of

Implies a gradual and deliberate process of developing comprehension.

become conversant with

Indicates gaining familiarity and proficiency in a particular subject or area.

pick up information on

Suggests learning something informally and often incidentally.

familiarize oneself with

A more formal way of saying "get acquainted with", emphasizing self-directed learning.

get acquainted with

Implies becoming familiar with something or someone, often through direct experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "acquire knowledge of" to describe the process of gaining information or skills through study, experience, or instruction. For instance, "Students acquire knowledge of history through lectures and readings."

What are some alternatives to "acquire knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "learn about", "gain insight into", or "develop expertise in". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "acquire knowledge of" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "acquire knowledge of" can sound somewhat formal in casual settings. In everyday conversation, simpler options like "learn about" or "find out about" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "acquire knowledge of" and "gain knowledge of"?

Both phrases are similar, but "acquire knowledge of" emphasizes the process of obtaining information, while "gain knowledge of" focuses more on the result of having obtained it. The choice often depends on the specific emphasis you want to convey.