an intricate knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intricate knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a deep and complex understanding of a subject or topic. Example: "Her years of research have given her an intricate knowledge of marine biology that few can match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

GEORGE PELECANOS writes crime novels, 12 so far, that reveal an intricate knowledge of criminal enterprise large and small.

The New York Times - Books

"He has an intricate knowledge of what goes into the products, and how to get them into the various territories," Mr. Karraker said.

The New York Times - Tech

(Orwell, who always displayed an intricate knowledge of ecclesiastical matters, left instructions in his will that he be buried according to the rites of the Church of England).

The New York Times - Books

He and his wife juggle payments and excuses, developing an intricate knowledge of just where each creditor's truly final limit lies.

The New York Times

Wallace played competitive tennis in his youth and possessed an intricate knowledge of the game and an endless curiosity about the psychology of its greatest practitioners.

The New York Times

Titian: His Life by Sheila Hale (HarperPress) manages an intimate and careful study of Titian's body of work, plus an intricate knowledge of politics and art in 16th-century Venice and in the Europe from which Titian received his commissions.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Answering such questions involves a detailed and intricate knowledge of the reacting (covalent or ionic) bonds themselves and (as with the DNA project discussed above) the nature of the non-covalent interactions [12 14].

Journal of Cheminformatics

A travel agent offering intricate knowledge of the globe is worth their weight.

The Guardian - Travel

In the long run, intricate knowledge of how a bacterial cell divides might enable the design of new classes of antibiotics targeting the molecular machinery involved.

eLife

Ms. Toti has never argued before the highest court, but she is an experienced appellate advocate who, through the ups and downs of the Texas case, has dazzled her clients with intricate knowledge of the facts and an instinct for constitutional strategy.

The New York Times

"I've seen him in action in Sudan," New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof wrote in his blog last week, "and he combines passion with intricate knowledge of policy to make a difference". Kenneth Hogate Bacon was born Nov. 21, 1944, in Bronxville, N.Y., and was a graduate of the private Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an intricate knowledge" to emphasize a deep, detailed, and complex understanding, especially when the subject requires careful study or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "an intricate knowledge" when a simpler phrase like "good understanding" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the complexity of the knowledge is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intricate knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes a deep and detailed understanding of a subject. Ludwig provides examples from various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intricate knowledge" is a noun phrase used to describe a deep, detailed, and complex understanding of a subject. Ludwig shows it's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news, scientific, and academic writing. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the complexity of the knowledge is genuinely significant. Alternatives include "a deep understanding" or "a comprehensive grasp", which can be more appropriate in simpler contexts. The phrase carries a formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep understanding

Replaces "intricate knowledge" with a simpler, more common expression.

a comprehensive grasp

Uses a different noun ("grasp") to convey a thorough understanding.

an extensive familiarity

Emphasizes the breadth of knowledge rather than its complexity.

mastery of the subject

Highlights a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular area.

profound insight

Suggests a deep and insightful understanding.

thorough command

Indicates complete control and understanding.

detailed acquaintance

Focuses on the level of detail known about a subject.

specialized expertise

Highlights expertise in a specific area of knowledge.

a nuanced appreciation

Implies a subtle and sophisticated understanding.

a fine-grained understanding

Emphasizes the level of detail and precision in understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "an intricate knowledge" to describe someone's deep understanding of a complex subject. For example: "Her research gave her "an intricate knowledge" of the human brain."

What are some alternatives to "an intricate knowledge"?

Alternatives include "a deep understanding", "a comprehensive grasp", or "extensive familiarity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "intricate knowledge" or "detailed knowledge"?

"Intricate knowledge" suggests a complex and interwoven understanding, while "detailed knowledge" simply implies a lot of information. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the complexity or the amount of detail.

What's the difference between "an intricate knowledge" and "specialized expertise"?

"An intricate knowledge" refers to a deep and complex understanding of a subject in general, while "specialized expertise" refers to a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular area. You might have "an intricate knowledge" of history, but "specialized expertise" in 18th-century French literature.