develop a knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop a knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of acquiring or enhancing understanding in a particular subject or area. Example: "To succeed in this field, it is essential to develop a knowledge of the latest technologies and trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Alumni are extensively used to describe their experiences and to help the schools develop a knowledge of different industries.

The Economist

I worked at a butterfly house for six years before I came here, and I raised giant silk moths on my own each summer since I was 12. Caring for them and feeding them made me realize that to really understand insects, I had to develop a knowledge of plants, too.

Cornell University

Students work to develop a knowledge of routing, switching, network applications, protocols, and services.

Forbes

Awareness: Practice mindfulness and take the time to develop a knowledge of who you are as a leader.

Forbes

The former have primary qualifications in a scientific or technical discipline, to which they add translation skills; the latter enter the profession as a result of their language skills (with or without formal qualifications) and subsequently develop a knowledge of the subject(s) they handle.

Science Magazine

Community college students learn skills in welding, metal fabrication, machining, and assembly and develop a knowledge of physical principles such as torque and thermodynamics.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's about getting to know one another, it's about developing a knowledge of how far you can go, what the sensitivities are, politically and personally... every time we revert to campaign mode it's very difficult to get anything done on policy," Cantor said.

Huffington Post

This includes developing a knowledge base of tools and resources for women in developing and developed nations, as their needs and experiences are different.

Huffington Post

The class will help students develop a deeper knowledge of, and appreciation for, the ever-changing roles of multimedia journalism and innovation across multiple platforms and disciplines.

Duke University

Judaic Studies enables students to develop a broad knowledge of the history, religion, literature, philosophy, languages, and politics of the Jews.

Yale University

The objective of the study reported herein is to develop a greater knowledge of the viruses infecting hop plants.

Archives of Virology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "develop a knowledge of" a particular subject, focus on consistent learning and practical application. Engage with the material through real-world examples and exercises to solidify your understanding.

Common error

Avoid claiming to "develop a knowledge of" a subject after only a brief introduction. Use phrases like "become familiar with" or "gain a basic understanding of" to reflect a more realistic level of expertise initially.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a knowledge of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring or enhancing understanding in a particular subject or area. This is evident in Ludwig AI examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop a knowledge of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the process of acquiring understanding in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts, primarily in news media, academic and scientific domains. While it's not the most frequent phrase, alternatives such as "gain an understanding of" or "acquire expertise in" can offer nuanced meanings. When using this phrase, focus on consistent learning and practical application, and avoid overstating your expertise prematurely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain an understanding of

Replaces "develop" with "gain" and "knowledge" with "understanding", focusing on the result of acquiring information.

form a working understanding of

Highlights the acquisition of practical knowledge applicable to a specific task.

enhance comprehension of

Emphasizes the improvement of understanding.

acquire expertise in

Emphasizes the development of skill and proficiency, rather than just knowledge.

deepen insights into

Focuses on gaining a more profound and thorough understanding.

cultivate a familiarity with

Suggests a gradual and careful process of getting to know something.

get to grips with

Emphasizes starting to understand or deal with something difficult.

build a foundation in

Highlights the establishment of a basic understanding as a starting point.

foster an appreciation for

Focuses on developing a sense of value and understanding.

expand one's horizons in

Suggests broadening one's understanding across a wider range of topics.

FAQs

How can I effectively "develop a knowledge of" a new subject?

Effective strategies include consistent study, practical application through exercises, and seeking guidance from experts. Breaking down the subject into manageable parts and regularly reviewing the material are also beneficial.

What's the difference between "develop a knowledge of" and "gain an understanding of"?

"Develop a knowledge of" suggests a gradual process of building expertise over time, while "gain an understanding of" implies a more immediate acquisition of comprehension.

Is it appropriate to use "develop a knowledge of" in formal writing?

Yes, "develop a knowledge of" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the context and choose the most precise wording. For example, in a scientific paper, "acquire expertise in" might be more appropriate.

What are some common contexts where one might "develop a knowledge of" something?

Common contexts include academic studies, professional training, personal hobbies, and self-improvement projects. For example, one might "develop a knowledge of" history through reading or "form a working understanding of" a software program through using it.