an extensive knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'an extensive knowledge' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a broad understanding or range of facts, skills, or information on a particular topic. For example, "The professor has an extensive knowledge of ancient Greek literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor: An evil sociopath armed with vast resources and an extensive knowledge of science who is Superman's nemesis.

Wikipedia

He also has an extensive knowledge of music beyond the standard repertory.

The Guardian - Books

Bloomfield, who has an extensive knowledge of botany and husbandry, started asking Boggs about his vegetables.

The New Yorker

Fagunwa's imagery, humour, wordplay, and rhetoric reveal an extensive knowledge of classical Yoruba.

Britannica

Mr. Hild might be the rare person who has an extensive knowledge of electronics recycling.

The New York Times

She had an extensive knowledge of art and antiquities from cultures all over the world.

The New York Times

She has an extensive knowledge of Istanbul hotels and restaurants, and ways to keep small children busy in the city.

The Guardian - Travel

He has an extensive knowledge of fish and he knows where to get things on short notice.

The New York Times

He was a muscular, soft-spoken man, with steady eyes, who rarely minced words and had an extensive knowledge of the drug business.

The New York Times

The software appears to have an extensive knowledge of Mills & Boon-style novellas but zero grasp of 1980s feminism and the Greenham Common women's peace camp.

The Guardian

The reference for Villatora said Baird had "always known Walter to be a person of integrity with an extensive knowledge of business and political processes".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's qualifications, use "an extensive knowledge" to highlight their comprehensive understanding of a particular subject.

Common error

Avoid using "an extensive knowledge" when a simpler term like "good understanding" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies the noun "knowledge". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating it's a valid and meaningful expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

28%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive knowledge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a deep and comprehensive understanding of a subject. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While versatile, consider using simpler alternatives like "good understanding" in less formal situations. Be sure to use "extensive knowledge of" rather than "extensive knowledge about". With its strong presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, using "an extensive knowledge" appropriately will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive understanding

Replaces "extensive knowledge" with synonyms for both "extensive" and "knowledge", emphasizing completeness and comprehension.

a deep understanding

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

a broad understanding

Similar to "extensive knowledge" but emphasizes the breadth of understanding.

a wealth of knowledge

Emphasizes the abundance of knowledge, using "wealth" as a metaphor.

mastery of the subject

Highlights expertise and control over a particular subject.

expertise in the field

Highlights expertise and specialization in a specific field.

a solid grasp of

Indicates a firm and reliable understanding of a subject.

an intimate familiarity with

Conveys a close and detailed understanding.

a profound insight into

Emphasizes deep understanding and intuitive grasp.

a commanding knowledge of

Suggests authority and control over the information.

FAQs

How can I use "an extensive knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "an extensive knowledge" to describe someone's deep understanding of a subject, as in "She has "an extensive knowledge of" Renaissance art".

What are some alternatives to "an extensive knowledge"?

Alternatives include "a comprehensive understanding", "a deep understanding", or "a broad understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Explore options like "a deep understanding" or "a broad understanding" to suit your context.

Is it better to say "extensive knowledge about" or "extensive knowledge of"?

"Extensive knowledge of" is generally preferred because it sounds more natural and idiomatic. For example, "He has "an extensive knowledge of" history" is better than "He has extensive knowledge about history".

What's the difference between "extensive knowledge" and "basic knowledge"?

"Extensive knowledge" implies a deep and comprehensive understanding, while "basic knowledge" suggests only a fundamental or introductory level of understanding. If someone has "a basic knowledge" of something, they understand only the fundamentals; if they have "an extensive knowledge", they possess a much deeper and broader understanding.