breadth of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

'breadth of knowledge' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the range and depth of knowledge someone has. For example, "John's breadth of knowledge is remarkable; he can talk about any topic with great expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

His breadth of knowledge is profound, his views opinionated, his writing passionate and heart-felt.

The Guardian - Travel

We remember with affection his insight, formidable intellect, breadth of knowledge and wit.

The New York Times

His talent is legendary; his mind and breadth of knowledge equally so.

The Guardian - Books

"He had an incredible breadth of knowledge -- certainly the best the country had to offer".

The New York Times

It's the breadth of knowledge that's important, not just the intellectual stuff.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He has incredible breadth of knowledge, is really, really smart, knows stuff inside out".

The New Yorker

He was known around Paris for his good looks, his breadth of knowledge, and his volubility.

The New Yorker

Her eight additional prose works reveal her remarkable breadth of knowledge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since most of these people were going through his guesthouses, he had a breadth of knowledge".

The New York Times

But you also need that crossbar of a breadth of knowledge.

The New York Times

The employees at Partners & Crime pride themselves on their breadth of knowledge of the genre.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breadth of knowledge" when you want to emphasize the wide range of subjects or areas someone is familiar with. For example, when describing a generalist role or the benefits of a liberal arts education.

Common error

Avoid using "breadth of knowledge" when you actually mean "depth of knowledge". Breadth refers to the range of knowledge, while depth refers to how thoroughly someone understands a specific subject. For instance, instead of saying "He has a breadth of knowledge in quantum physics", say "He has a depth of knowledge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breadth of knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the extent or scope of someone's knowledge across various subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a correct and usable part of the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breadth of knowledge" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes the range and scope of an individual's understanding across various subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in English writing. As the analysis indicates, the phrase is frequently encountered in news and media contexts but is also appropriate for science, encyclopedias and business communication. When aiming to highlight someone's well-roundedness or diverse expertise, "breadth of knowledge" is an effective and appropriate choice. Consider related phrases such as "wide range of expertise" or "extensive understanding" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide range of expertise

Focuses on the practical application of knowledge.

extensive understanding

Emphasizes the depth and comprehensiveness of comprehension.

comprehensive learning

Highlights the process of acquiring broad knowledge.

general knowledge

Refers to familiarity with a variety of subjects.

broad understanding

Similar to extensive understanding, but slightly less formal.

varied skill set

Highlights the diversity of abilities one possesses.

diverse knowledge base

Emphasizes the collection of knowledge from different fields.

well-rounded education

Focuses on the educational background contributing to the breadth of knowledge.

encyclopedic knowledge

Implies an extremely wide and detailed range of knowledge, like that found in an encyclopedia.

multidisciplinary expertise

Highlights expertise in multiple, distinct fields.

FAQs

How can I use "breadth of knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "breadth of knowledge" to describe someone who has a wide understanding of many different subjects. For example, "Her "breadth of knowledge" made her an excellent candidate for the position".

What's the difference between "breadth of knowledge" and "depth of knowledge"?

"Breadth of knowledge" refers to the range of subjects someone knows about, while "depth of knowledge" refers to how deeply someone understands a particular subject. One is horizontal, the other vertical.

What can I say instead of "breadth of knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "wide range of expertise", "extensive understanding", or "general knowledge depending on the context.

Is "breadth of knowledge" formal or informal?

"Breadth of knowledge" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is a standard and widely understood phrase.