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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
an average knowledge of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "an average knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's general understanding or familiarity with a subject or topic. Example: "To apply for this position, you should have an average knowledge of computer programming languages."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(16)
a basic understanding of
a general familiarity with
a moderate grasp of
a working knowledge of
an intermediate understanding of
a passable acquaintance with
a functional understanding of
a rudimentary knowledge of
a conventional understanding of
an intermediate knowledge of
an overall knowledge of
an average competence of
an average background of
a common understanding of
a basic grasp of
an average capacity of
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
The regulator asserted that a Facebook user "with an average knowledge of the new technologies does not become aware of the collection of data, nor of their storage and subsequent treatment, nor of what they will be used".
News & Media
One student could give herself an 'OK seal', and another student has accepted that he will be a clinician with an average knowledge of cell biology.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Specific knowledge about cervical cancer was also low, with an average Knowledge Score of 7.2 (SD +/- 3.0).
Science
After the Summer minicourse, participants demonstrated an average knowledge gain of 15% in biology and 8% in chemistry, suggesting that the Summer minicourse was effective in enhancing students' knowledge in both biology and chemistry.
Science
In all but one case, participants with a more creationist theistic view had a lower average knowledge of biological evolution (p < 0.001) (Table 2).
Of those we surveyed, the majority (74%) reported that they had a "better than average" knowledge of the Excel software, while 24% reported an average knowledge (n = 105).
Science
"Working knowledge of social media, especially Twitter is a plus, as is a better than average knowledge of the adult film industry and a collection of Playboy magazines from 1985-2010," the post reads.
News & Media
This suggests that GPs returning the survey had some interest in reproductive health issues, and thus could reasonably be expected to have a better than average knowledge of sexual health.
Science
On the average, knowledge of influenza A (H1N1) symptoms scored 2.35 (SD 1.29) on a scale of 0 to 6 (Table 2).
Science
They assumed that Governor Palin would have the average knowledge of the outside world that a typical governor of an American state would have.
News & Media
Perhaps the people who are writing that have only average knowledge of what they were writing about".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing someone's level of expertise, use "an average knowledge of" to indicate a standard, non-specialized understanding. Ensure the context clarifies what constitutes "average" in that specific field.
Common error
Avoid using "an average knowledge of" when intending to convey strong expertise. This phrase suggests a middling level of understanding, so choose more suitable terms like "extensive knowledge of" or "mastery of" when describing advanced skills.
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "an average knowledge of" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the level of understanding or familiarity with a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "an average knowledge of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a common or typical level of understanding about a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is accurate and appropriate for use in written English. While it is versatile, appearing in both scientific and news contexts, as examples show, it's essential to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement of expertise. Alternatives like "a basic understanding of" or "a working knowledge of" can be used to fine-tune the level of comprehension being described. When crafting content, keep in mind that while the phrase is usable in different contexts, it is more suited in formal contexts and professional settings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a basic understanding of
Focuses on the foundational level of comprehension.
a general familiarity with
Highlights acquaintance with the subject matter rather than in-depth knowledge.
a moderate grasp of
Suggests a reasonable level of understanding, neither superficial nor expert.
a working knowledge of
Implies sufficient knowledge to perform tasks or functions effectively.
an intermediate understanding of
Indicates a level of knowledge that is beyond basic but not advanced.
a passable acquaintance with
Suggests just enough knowledge to get by.
a functional understanding of
Emphasizes the practical application of knowledge.
a rudimentary knowledge of
Indicates a basic or elementary level of understanding.
a commonplace awareness of
Suggests that the knowledge is widespread or generally known.
a conventional understanding of
Emphasizes knowledge that aligns with common beliefs or practices.
FAQs
How can I use "an average knowledge of" in a sentence?
Use "an average knowledge of" to describe a common or typical level of understanding regarding a particular subject. For example, "To succeed in this role, you need "an average knowledge of" social media marketing".
What are some alternatives to "an average knowledge of"?
You can use alternatives like "a basic understanding of", "a general familiarity with", or "a working knowledge of" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. The first two indicate less knowledge than the third one.
Is it better to say "average knowledge about" or "average knowledge of"?
"Average knowledge of" is the more common and grammatically preferred construction when referring to a subject or field. For example, ""an average knowledge of" history" is better than "average knowledge about history".
What does it mean to have "better than an average knowledge of" something?
Having "better than an average knowledge of" something indicates a level of expertise that exceeds the typical or common understanding. It suggests a deeper comprehension and skill in the specified area than most people possess.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested