bare knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bare knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minimal or basic level of understanding about a subject. Example: "His bare knowledge of the topic was evident during the discussion, as he struggled to answer even the simplest questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As we have seen, however, bare knowledge does not seem sufficient grounds for prohibition.

SEP

The difficulty here is that bare knowledge, i.e., being offended by merely knowing that something exists or is taking place, is not as serious as being offended by something that one does not like and that one cannot escape.

SEP

Now, even though there can be no demonstration propter quid of God's essence or nature, this does not mean that philosophical theology is left with a bare knowledge of the existence of God, and nothing more.

SEP

As in the case of violent pornography, the offense that is caused by the march through Skokie cannot be avoided simply by staying off the streets because the offense is taken over the bare knowledge that the march is taking place.

SEP

But the notion of Rein that the bare fact of the vote being secret would increase the difficulty of distinguishing the bribed from the unbribed is absurd; for the bare knowledge of a man's vote is no part of the evidence of bribery.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is intended to lay bare the knowledge that is required if linguistic understanding is to be possible, but it involves no claims about the possible instantiation of that knowledge in the minds of interpreters (Davidson thus makes no commitments about the underlying psychological reality of the knowledge that a theory of interpretation makes explicit).

SEP

These designations are designed by professional associations to represent at least a bare minimum of knowledge and experience that every practitioner needs to do their job effectively and to a minimum standard of performance expected by their professional peers.

Forbes

Would he have found a way to propel his stalled tax-cut bill and civil rights legislation through Congress and start a war on poverty, or was Johnson able to achieve these historic goals only through a combination of his bare-knuckled, tactical knowledge of Congress; his personal relationships on Capitol Hill; and his ability to use the momentum of sentiment generated by Kennedy's death?

The New York Times - Books

In 2012, the walls of Stanford's Li Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge were stark, bare and unexciting.

Stanford University

Like Holden Caulfield, Vernon God Little, Adrian Mole and countless other teenage protagonists before him, Etgar is negotiating complex adult emotions and experiences armed with a bare minimum of worldly knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

The things you will eventually need to know include just about everything you will read in Sound On Sound's Technique features, but what I would like to do is concentrate on the bare essentials -- the knowledge that will get you into the studio in the first place, and up and running as an effective assistant engineer before too long.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bare knowledge", ensure the context clearly indicates the limitations or incompleteness of the knowledge being referred to. This helps avoid ambiguity and emphasizes the need for further learning or understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "bare knowledge" is adequate for complex tasks or decision-making. Recognize its limitations and supplement it with deeper research or expert advice when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bare knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a basic or minimal level of understanding about a particular subject, as supported by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bare knowledge" is a grammatically correct noun phrase referring to a minimal level of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, it appears in diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the context indicates the limitations of the knowledge being described. Alternatives such as "basic understanding" or "rudimentary knowledge" can provide similar meanings. Recognizing the limitations of "bare knowledge" and supplementing it with deeper understanding helps for complex tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic understanding

Focuses on the understanding aspect, implying a simple level of comprehension.

minimal understanding

Highlights the limited scope of the understanding.

rudimentary knowledge

Emphasizes the elementary or initial stage of knowledge.

superficial knowledge

Implies a lack of depth in the understanding.

limited awareness

Focuses on the restricted scope of perception or recognition.

elementary grasp

Highlights a basic level of comprehension or skill.

fundamental knowledge

Highlights the essential knowledge and the basic aspects of it.

scant knowledge

Emphasizes the insufficiency and the lack of understanding of it.

limited acquaintance

Implies a superficial familiarity with a subject.

cursory understanding

Highlights the quick and not detailed acquired knowledge of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "bare knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "bare knowledge" to describe a situation where someone has a basic or minimal understanding of a subject. For instance, "His "bare knowledge" of the topic was insufficient for the presentation".

What are some alternatives to "bare knowledge"?

Alternatives include phrases like "basic understanding", "minimal understanding", or "rudimentary knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "bare knowledge" in formal writing?

Yes, "bare knowledge" is acceptable in formal writing, though it's important to ensure that the context is appropriate. In some cases, a more precise term might be preferable for clarity.

What's the difference between "bare knowledge" and "superficial knowledge"?

"Bare knowledge" implies a minimal amount of information, while "superficial knowledge" suggests a lack of depth. Someone with "bare knowledge" might simply not know much about a topic, whereas someone with "superficial knowledge" might have a general idea but lack detailed understanding.