cursory knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"cursory knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing the level of understanding that someone has on a particular topic. For example, "His cursory knowledge of the subject matter was evident in the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

She doesn't use a computer and has only cursory knowledge of her cellphone.

The New York Times

Schmoke and Ward have flair and credentials, but neither has more than a cursory knowledge of the Olympic committee.

The New York Times - Sports

ANYONE with a cursory knowledge of TV crime dramas knows the difference between the English and American legal systems.

The Economist

Students have only a cursory knowledge of film techniques and the workings of standard animation software like Flash, Dreamweaver and Photoshop when they begin.

The New York Times

Most political pundits – and anyone with even a cursory knowledge of our political discourse – recognize that our country has fallen victim to tribalism.

The Guardian - Film

The same is not true for users of languages that target the JVM – many Scala developers (myself included) have only cursory knowledge of Java.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

At the same time, he said, the documentary is directed at people with perhaps only a cursory or impressionistic knowledge of the Cuban leader.

The New York Times

"Is London good, Joel?" my friends back home ask me, in their quaint way, with their funny little accents and their cursory-at-best knowledge about metropolitan things like Ubers and guacamole, and I tell them "Yes," I say.

Vice

"Is London good, Joel?" my friends back home ask me, in their quaint way, with their funny little accents and their cursory-at-best knowledge about metropolitan things like Ubers and guacamole, and I tell them yes, I say, it takes an hour to get anywhere and all the burgers have pulled pork on them, and you pay to take a lift to the top of the tallest skyscrapers, and look down but not jump.

Vice

The title of John Keegan's anecdotal and often cursory new book "Intelligence in War: Knowledge of the Enemy From Napoleon to Al-Qaeda" is highly misleading.

The New York Times - Books

It's cute but badass and I would buy it even though my Simpsons knowledge is, at best, cursory.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cursory knowledge", be precise about what area the knowledge is superficial in. For instance, instead of saying "He has cursory knowledge", specify "He has cursory knowledge of astrophysics".

Common error

Avoid using "cursory knowledge" to suggest expertise or competence. It indicates a basic, surface-level understanding and not a deep or thorough one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory knowledge" functions as a descriptor, indicating a limited or superficial understanding of a particular subject. It modifies a noun, specifying the extent or depth of someone's awareness. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cursory knowledge" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase describing a superficial or basic understanding of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to indicate a limited awareness, setting realistic expectations rather than implying expertise. Alternatives such as "basic understanding" or "superficial understanding" provide nuanced alternatives. It is important to specify the subject of the "cursory knowledge" and to avoid overstating the level of understanding it implies. The phrase's prevalence in reliable sources and clear communicative function solidify its value in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial understanding

Highlights the lack of depth in comprehension, suggesting a surface-level grasp.

surface-level familiarity

Focuses on the lack of in-depth exploration, highlighting a superficial engagement with the topic.

basic understanding

Implies a foundational level of comprehension, focusing on essential elements.

limited awareness

Emphasizes the restricted scope of knowledge, indicating a narrow perspective.

rudimentary grasp

Suggests an elementary or initial understanding, often implying further learning is needed.

slight acquaintance

Suggests a minimal and perhaps insufficient level of familiarity.

passing acquaintance

Implies a casual and not very detailed familiarity with the subject.

general overview

Implies a broad but not detailed understanding, covering the main points without delving into specifics.

brief insight

Focuses on a short-lived or limited understanding, often gained quickly.

initial exposure

Highlights the first encounter with a subject, indicating a starting point in learning.

FAQs

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

You can use "cursory knowledge" to describe someone's limited understanding of a subject. For example, "Despite his "cursory knowledge" of the legal system, he attempted to represent himself in court."

What's a good alternative to "cursory knowledge"?

Alternatives to "cursory knowledge" include "basic understanding", "superficial understanding", or "limited awareness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to have "cursory knowledge" of a topic?

Whether it's acceptable to have "cursory knowledge" depends on the context. It might be sufficient for casual conversation, but inadequate for professional responsibilities. Recognize that "cursory knowledge" implies a need for further learning in many situations.

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

"Cursory knowledge" and "superficial knowledge" are very similar. Both suggest a lack of depth, but "superficial knowledge" might imply a slightly more negative connotation, suggesting a lack of effort or engagement, while "cursory knowledge" may simply mean a brief or initial exposure.