good working knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good working knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a solid understanding or proficiency in a particular subject or skill. Example: "To apply for this position, candidates should have a good working knowledge of project management principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CERN's official languages are English and French, so if you want to work there you'll need a good working knowledge of one, and it's desirable that you have a basic knowledge of the other (or demonstrate a willingness to acquire it... CERN runs English and French language lessons for its employees).

Science Magazine

Those working with elderly care recipients require a good working knowledge of depression and appropriate help giving responses.

BMC Nursing

His work in the orchestra pit gave him a good working knowledge of the operas of Gounod and other composers, classic and contemporary.

Wikipedia

There is, arguably, a forgery going on in the work of all biographers, who are required to have a good working knowledge of documentary evidence but must inevitably start conjecturing about what was going on in the subject's mind – and to some degree creatively ventriloquising his or her thoughts.

The Guardian - Film

In World War 1, she worked in a Red Cross hospital, and this experience gave her a good working knowledge of poisons, ingredients that.

The New York Times

In World War 1, she worked in a Red Cross hospital, and this experience gave her a good working knowledge of poisons, ingredients that turn up rather frequently in her books.

The New York Times

Applicants must have a good working knowledge of bedding, and be able to put hooks up straight.

The Guardian - Money

The course assumes that you have a good working knowledge of accounting, finance, economics and business strategy.

University of California, Berkeley

You should have a good working knowledge of managing fractures, wound management and dressings, so spending time learning from nursing staff in your department cannot be underestimated.

The Guardian

A strong portfolio is a must, while a good working knowledge of popular programmes like Photoshop, InDesign and Fireworks is also usually essential.

The Guardian

If you're considering a tutor for your child, the tutor should have a good working knowledge of the assessment objectives for the relevant exam board.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing required skills for a job, specify the level of "good working knowledge" needed by including specific tasks the candidate should be able to perform.

Common error

Avoid using "good working knowledge" when a deep or expert-level understanding is truly required. Instead, opt for terms like "extensive knowledge" or "mastery" to accurately reflect the necessary skill level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good working knowledge" functions as a qualifier, specifying the level of competence someone possesses in a particular area. Ludwig confirms that it is usable in written English. It suggests more than just a basic awareness but not necessarily expert-level proficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

23%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good working knowledge" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a level of competence that is more than basic but less than expert. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts. It is frequently found in news, media, science, and academic texts. The phrase indicates that someone has sufficient understanding or skill to perform tasks effectively. For alternative phrasing consider "solid grasp" or "practical understanding". It's important to avoid overstating expertise and to specify the level of "good working knowledge" needed in any specific situation. It implies sufficient proficiency to perform job efficiently without being an expert.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical understanding

Focuses on the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.

solid grasp

Emphasizes firm understanding instead of practical application.

thorough understanding

Highlights the depth of comprehension rather than its utility.

proficient knowledge

Uses a more formal adjective to describe the level of knowledge.

sound knowledge

Indicates a reliable and stable base of knowledge.

functional expertise

Highlights the ability to perform tasks effectively with acquired knowledge.

competent understanding

Stresses the sufficiency of knowledge for a particular purpose.

conversant knowledge

Implies the ability to discuss and understand a subject fluently.

working acquaintance

Suggests a basic level of familiarity sufficient for initial tasks.

serviceable knowledge

Implies knowledge sufficient for practical use.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate I have a "good working knowledge" of a subject?

Provide specific examples of how you've applied your knowledge in practical situations. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

What's a less formal way to say "good working knowledge"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "practical understanding" or "solid grasp" /s/solid+grasp.

Is "good working knowledge" the same as "expert knowledge"?

No, "good working knowledge" implies a competent level of understanding sufficient for practical application, while expert knowledge suggests a much deeper, more specialized understanding.

When should I use "good working knowledge" in a job description?

Use it when the role requires a practical understanding of the subject matter that allows the candidate to perform the job effectively without necessarily being an expert. An example would be: "a good working knowledge of excel is needed".