for knowledge sake

USAGE SUMMARY

'for knowledge sake' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean "in the interest of understanding or learning something". For example, "They opened the box for knowledge sake, to understand how the process worked from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Americans were never big on knowledge for knowledge sake.

Huffington Post

Boyer [ 2] defined discovery as the creation of knowledge for knowledge sake; its purpose is to contribute not only to knowledge but also to the intellectual climate of academic institutions.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We shouldn't be testing knowledge for knowledge's sake.

The Guardian

And then there is the value of knowledge for knowledge's sake.

The Guardian

Join us at 12pm to debate the question: is this the end of knowledge for knowledge's sake?

The Guardian

Live chat tomorrow: What is the purpose of higher education - is this the end of knowledge for knowledge's sake?

The Guardian

The spirit of the I.G.Y., a collectivist pursuit of knowledge for knowledge's sake, has over the decades given way to a more capitalistic impulse.

The New Yorker

Universities are no longer simply a place to gain knowledge for knowledge's sake, but a foot up on the career ladder.

The Guardian

Indeed, when it comes to gauging the value of education, considering only payback is seldom sound, especially for programs steeped in traditions of "knowledge for knowledge's sake".

The New York Times

Critics of these efforts say that children should be inspired to learn for knowledge's sake, not to earn money, and question whether prizes will ultimately lift achievement.

The New York Times

Critics of these efforts say that children should be inspired to learn for knowledge's sake, not to receive money, and question whether prizes will ultimately lift achievement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for knowledge sake" when you want to emphasize that the primary reason for an action or investigation is to gain understanding, rather than for practical application or profit.

Common error

Avoid using "for knowledge sake" when the goal is primarily practical or commercial. If the intent is to solve a problem or generate profit, a different phrase would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for knowledge sake" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the purpose or motive behind an action. It specifies that the action is performed to gain understanding or learning. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for knowledge sake" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that the primary reason for an action is to gain understanding, rather than for practical application. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times, indicating reliability and appropriate usage in neutral to formal contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "in the interest of knowledge" or "out of intellectual curiosity", can provide similar meaning with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the interest of knowledge

Replaces "sake" with "interest", focusing on the benefit derived from knowledge.

for the purpose of learning

Replaces "knowledge sake" with a more direct statement of intent.

to gain understanding

Focuses on the act of gaining understanding as the primary motivation.

out of intellectual curiosity

Highlights the role of curiosity as the driving force.

for educational purposes

Emphasizes the formal aspect of learning and education.

in pursuit of knowledge

Emphasizes the active seeking of knowledge.

with a desire to learn

Highlights the desire or motivation behind learning.

to expand one's understanding

Focuses on the broadening of existing knowledge.

for the advancement of learning

Highlights knowledge in order to achieve advancement.

to satisfy one's curiosity

Focuses on curiosity as the driver for knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "for knowledge sake" in a sentence?

You can use "for knowledge sake" to indicate that the primary reason for doing something is to learn or understand something, rather than for any practical purpose. For example, "They conducted the experiment "for knowledge sake", to better understand the phenomenon".

What's a good alternative to "for knowledge sake"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in the interest of knowledge", "for the purpose of learning", or "out of intellectual curiosity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "for knowledge sake" formal or informal?

"For knowledge sake" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in academic or intellectual discussions.

What does it mean to pursue knowledge "for knowledge sake"?

To pursue knowledge "for knowledge sake" means to seek understanding and learning as an end in itself, without necessarily expecting any practical benefit or application.