for the sake of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for the sake of knowledge' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that something is done for the purpose of gaining knowledge about a certain subject. For example, "He traveled for the sake of knowledge, eager to experience new cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

That's not to call university useless, but rather to suggest that it return to what it once was: education for the sake of knowledge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Science for the sake of knowledge was seen as an anachronism: good enough for Newton and Einstein, but useless to the needs of the modern British economy.

The Guardian

At the symposium, researchers said the interest in learning more about chimps was not just a case of knowledge for the sake of knowledge.

The New York Times - Science

Scott was a mythmaker: he was the visionary, the savior of the English character, risking his life for the sake of knowledge.

The New York Times - Arts

As Wotan sacrifices an eye for the sake of knowledge, and is diminished further as the cycle proceeds, so those in public life pay a heavy price for the acquisition and retention of power.

The Guardian - Music

The space race between the US and the Soviet Union was not an affordable luxury undertaken for the sake of knowledge, but intrinsically tied to the military-industrial complex.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

We are not doing this just for the sake of the knowledge.

The New York Times

To compound all that, we tend to seek out information not for the sake of gaining knowledge for its own sake, but to support our already-established viewpoints.

The Guardian

The expectation has shifted from science for the sake of human knowledge to science to meet societal needs.

The Guardian

First off, it helps reinforce a joy in learning purely for the sake of increased knowledge.

Huffington Post

And verily it is a sentient space, thinking all thoughts, accepting the accursed blessing of omniscience for the sake of total knowledge of The Self".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the sake of knowledge" to emphasize the importance of learning and understanding, even when there is no immediate practical application.

Common error

Be careful to not use "for the sake of knowledge" when the pursuit is actually driven by other factors like career advancement or financial gain. The phrase implies a pure, unadulterated interest in learning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the sake of knowledge" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, modifying a verb and indicating the reason or aim behind an action. It clarifies that the action is performed to gain understanding rather than achieve a specific outcome, confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for the sake of knowledge" serves as a powerful indicator of purpose, emphasizing that the underlying motivation stems from the intrinsic value of learning and understanding, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and frequently observed in academia, news, and scientific domains, this expression conveys a sense of intellectual curiosity divorced from pragmatic gains. To ensure accurate usage, writers should reserve this expression for situations where the pursuit is truly fueled by an unadulterated thirst for knowledge. Related phrases like "for the pursuit of knowledge" or "in the interest of knowledge" offer nuanced alternatives, allowing for precision in expressing motivations behind seeking wisdom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the pursuit of knowledge

Emphasizes the active effort involved in seeking knowledge.

in the interest of knowledge

Highlights the importance or value placed on knowledge itself.

for the advancement of knowledge

Focuses on contributing to the overall growth of knowledge.

out of a desire for knowledge

Highlights the internal motivation driving the pursuit of knowledge.

motivated by a thirst for knowledge

Suggests a strong and compelling need to acquire knowledge.

driven by intellectual curiosity

Shifts the focus to the inherent curiosity that fuels learning.

to expand one's understanding

Focuses on the personal growth that results from gaining knowledge.

to broaden one's horizons

Emphasizes the widening of perspectives through knowledge acquisition.

in the name of science

Highlights the pursuit of knowledge within a scientific context.

with the aim of discovery

Focuses on uncovering new information or insights.

FAQs

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

Use "for the sake of knowledge" to indicate that something is done with the primary goal of gaining knowledge or understanding, rather than for practical purposes. For example, "She studied ancient languages for the sake of knowledge, not for any career prospects."

What's a similar phrase to "for the sake of knowledge"?

Similar phrases include "for the pursuit of knowledge", "in the interest of knowledge", or "out of a desire for knowledge".

Is it correct to say "for knowledge's sake" instead of "for the sake of knowledge"?

While "for knowledge's sake" is grammatically correct, "for the sake of knowledge" is the more common and widely accepted phrasing.

When is it appropriate to use "for the sake of knowledge"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the primary motivation is learning and understanding, rather than any other practical benefit or reward.