an intimate knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intimate knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a deep or thorough understanding of a subject or topic. Example: "Her years of experience in the field gave her an intimate knowledge of the industry standards and practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A writer, he claimed an intimate knowledge of American poetry.

The Guardian

Kushner herself evinces an intimate knowledge of her novel's world and characters.

The New York Times - Books

Granada was my base, and I developed an intimate knowledge of the city.

The New York Times - Travel

Turing's role in wartime code-breaking had left him with an intimate knowledge of British intelligence.

The New Yorker

Why does the writer of this article have such an intimate knowledge of gargoyles?

The New York Times

Rangers generally have an intimate knowledge of the parks and can serve as informative guides.

The New York Times - Travel

Choosing what to drink if you don't have an intimate knowledge of sake can be difficult.

The New York Times - Food

As a local, he had an intimate knowledge of Zhangwei's social demographics.

The New Yorker

But visitors don't have an intimate knowledge of the animal, an awareness established early in life.

The Washington Post

They needed imagination applied to an intimate knowledge of a business.

Harvard Business Review

Everywhere people are dissecting the games, revealing an intimate knowledge of their own teams and many others.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an intimate knowledge of" when you want to emphasize a deep, personal, and comprehensive understanding of a subject. It suggests more than just familiarity; it implies a nuanced appreciation and detailed awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "an intimate knowledge of" if you only possess a superficial understanding. This phrase suggests a level of depth that should be accurately reflected in your expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intimate knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "intimate" modifies the noun "knowledge." It describes the quality of the knowledge possessed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Unknown

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intimate knowledge of" is a versatile phrase used to convey a deep and thorough understanding of a subject. It is considered grammatically correct and is very common across diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While the phrase can be used in formal settings, be mindful of accurately representing the depth of understanding to avoid overstatement. Alternative phrases such as "a profound understanding of" or "an in-depth comprehension of" can be used to achieve similar effects, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound understanding of

Replaces "intimate knowledge" with a more formal expression emphasizing depth of understanding.

an in-depth comprehension of

Substitutes "intimate knowledge" with a phrase that highlights thoroughness and understanding.

a thorough familiarity with

Replaces "intimate knowledge" with a focus on comprehensive acquaintance and understanding.

a deep-seated awareness of

Emphasizes a deeply rooted understanding, differing slightly by suggesting awareness rather than active knowledge.

a comprehensive grasp of

Replaces "intimate knowledge" with a phrase stressing a complete and firm understanding.

an acute understanding of

Highlights the sharpness and clarity of the understanding, adding a nuance of perceptiveness.

a close acquaintance with

Focuses on familiarity and personal experience, subtly shifting the emphasis from theoretical knowledge to practical understanding.

a specialized expertise in

Conveys a high level of skill and knowledge in a specific area, implying more practical application.

a masterful command of

Suggests exceptional control and skill due to deep understanding, differing in that it implies active ability.

a seasoned understanding of

Implies that the understanding has developed over a long period of time and experience.

FAQs

How can I use "an intimate knowledge of" in a sentence?

Use "an intimate knowledge of" to describe a deep and thorough understanding of a subject. For example, "Her success in the stock market stems from "an intimate knowledge of" market trends".

What are some alternatives to "an intimate knowledge of"?

You can use alternatives like "a profound understanding of", "an in-depth comprehension of", or "a thorough familiarity with" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an intimate knowledge of" in formal writing?

Yes, "an intimate knowledge of" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to highlight a deep and comprehensive understanding of a subject. However, ensure the context justifies the use of "intimate" to convey depth and nuance.

What is the difference between "an intimate knowledge of" and "a basic understanding of"?

"An intimate knowledge of" implies a deep, thorough, and nuanced understanding, whereas "a basic understanding of" suggests only a superficial or introductory level of comprehension. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the depth of understanding you are describing.