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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
competent knowledge
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"competent knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that has knowledgeable skills or understanding. For example: "He demonstrated a competent knowledge of the software during the presentation."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(20)
proficient understanding
expert understanding
thorough grasp
solid command
adequate proficiency
informed perspective
competent understanding
able knowledge
appropriate knowledge
competent expertise
skilled knowledge
competent information
competent familiarity
competitive knowledge
well qualified knowledge
competency knowledge
competence knowledge
competent knowledgeable
proficient knowledge
talented knowledge
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
10 human-written examples
Cournot was the first economist who, with competent knowledge of both subjects, endeavoured to apply mathematics to the treatment of economics.
Encyclopedias
It was seen as an added value in building and improving communication skills, leadership and cooperation between groups, apart from having a competent knowledge in a competent engineer.
Thayer also believed that it would be improper for judges to undertake an independent inquiry into the factual predicates of legislation; rather, he contended that judges should always attribute "virtue, sense, and competent knowledge" to legislators.
News & Media
The education there was based on erudition, the eventual goal being that by the age of 18 the students would have learned "to vary one sentence diversely, to make a verse exactly, to endight an epistle eloquently and learnedly, to declaim of a theme simple, and last of all to attain some competent knowledge of the Greek tongue".
Wiki
The reviewer recommended it as suitable not just for students and not just for the young, saying that it "ought to be in the hands of every individual who desires to taste the pleasures of divine philosophy, and obtain a competent knowledge of that creation in which they live".
Wiki
Choosing an appropriate logical function for a signaling process is not an easy task and requires a competent knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind; therefore, this step often involves an intense literature study [ 20, 60].
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
"In what scriptures do you find statements that women are not competent for knowledge and devotion?
News & Media
It is well established that in order to provide culturally competent care, knowledge of cultural beliefs, values and practices is necessary otherwise health practitioners can easily fall prey to errors of diagnosis, inappropriate management and poor compliance [ 5].
Science
The Continuum approach establishes a direct relationship between the competences that are needed for a competent paediatric practice (knowledge, skills, and attitudes), as well as training material.
Science
As teacher leaders, all STs, LTs, MTs and PMTs would be conversant in action research insofar as they are competent in the knowledge and practice of action research, and helping fellow teachers grow in their knowledge and practice of action research so as to eventually deepen teachers' knowledge on teaching in their respective subject areas.
"This is why the appraiser should be geographically competent, with a knowledge of how significant the external factors are in that particular market segment and on that particular property".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing someone's abilities, pair "competent knowledge" with specific areas of expertise to provide context and clarity. For example, "competent knowledge of data analysis".
Common error
Avoid using "competent knowledge" when referring to basic or introductory understanding. Reserve it for situations where a significant level of skill and understanding is demonstrated.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "competent knowledge" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate a high degree of proficiency and understanding in a particular area. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe economists, engineers, and others who possess skillful understanding.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Wiki
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
10%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "competent knowledge" signifies a skillful and capable understanding, going beyond mere familiarity with a subject. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, suggesting its appropriateness for describing expertise across various domains. While the phrase is more common in scientific and news contexts, its neutral tone makes it suitable for formal communication. When using "competent knowledge", focus on pairing it with specific areas of expertise and avoid using it for basic understanding. The phrase isn't very common, but it is correct and can be used in your writing. Remember to specify what the knowledge is about.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
proficient understanding
Replaces 'knowledge' with 'understanding' and 'competent' with 'proficient', emphasizing skill and comprehension.
expert understanding
Substitutes 'competent' with 'expert', highlighting a higher level of mastery.
thorough grasp
Replaces "competent knowledge" with a phrase emphasizing a comprehensive understanding.
sound expertise
Changes 'knowledge' to 'expertise' and 'competent' to 'sound', focusing on reliable skill.
solid command
Replaces the original phrase with an emphasis on having a firm control and understanding.
adequate proficiency
Switches to a focus on the sufficiency of skill level.
sufficient know-how
Uses a more informal term 'know-how' to replace 'knowledge' and emphasizes adequacy.
capable insight
Focuses on the insightful aspect of knowledge, replacing 'competent' with 'capable'.
well-versed background
Emphasizes a comprehensive understanding developed over time.
informed perspective
Highlights the perspective gained from having competent knowledge.
FAQs
How can I effectively use "competent knowledge" in a sentence?
Use "competent knowledge" to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular subject. For example, "The engineer demonstrated "competent knowledge" of structural mechanics".
What are some alternatives to saying "competent knowledge"?
Depending on the context, consider using phrases such as "proficient understanding", "expert understanding", or "sound expertise".
Is it redundant to say someone has "competent knowledge"?
While "competent" and "knowledge" can sometimes overlap in meaning, the phrase emphasizes not just having knowledge, but having a skillful and capable understanding. It suggests that one knows how to apply the knowledge effectively.
What's the difference between "competent knowledge" and "basic knowledge"?
"Basic knowledge" refers to a foundational understanding of a subject. "Competent knowledge" implies a deeper, more practical understanding that allows someone to perform tasks effectively.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested