had a good knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a good knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's familiarity or understanding of a particular subject or topic. Example: "She had a good knowledge of the historical events that shaped the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Cato discouraged Greek philosophers from spending time in the capital (though he himself had a good knowledge of Greek).

The New York Times - Arts

Al-Idrīsī seems to have had a good knowledge of Arabic literature, and judging by some of his verse that has survived he was also an accomplished poet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Bush, his advisers said, had a good knowledge of the substance of the bill, and was always well aware of the political twists and turns on Capitol Hill.

The New York Times

The alignment of the pyramids is precise enough that many scientists believe that the Egyptians had to have had a good knowledge of astronomy even though there is no record of it in ancient texts.

The New York Times

He seems to have been well instructed in the Muslim faith and must have had a good knowledge of Arabic, for he wished to continue his studies at one of the centres of Muslim learning in the East.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He had a good knowledge of the theatre (he wrote a number of plays, and his first wife, Mary Blair, was in the Provincetown Players, Eugene O'Neill's company); he had a selective knowledge of art, a very selective knowledge of classical music, and virtually no knowledge of the movies.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Communication experts who have a good knowledge of waste and recycling issues are in demand.

The Guardian

Nobody would disagree that children should have a good knowledge of British history.

The Guardian - Opinion

Applicants should have a good knowledge of China including its regions, politics and culture.

The Economist

A spokeswoman, Jenny Brandhorst, said Ms. Blagojevich has "a good knowledge of, obviously, Chicago and the development community.

The New York Times

The SHKP man appeared to have a good knowledge of Kallakis's loans and asked informed questions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had a good knowledge of", ensure the context clearly specifies the area or subject of knowledge to avoid ambiguity. For example, "She had a good knowledge of classical literature."

Common error

Avoid using "had a good knowledge of" when the level of understanding is superficial. Opt for phrases like "was familiar with" or "had some knowledge of" to reflect a less comprehensive understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a good knowledge of" functions as a verbal phrase indicating someone's level of understanding or familiarity with a particular subject or area. As Ludwig suggests, it accurately describes a person's comprehension, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had a good knowledge of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate someone's familiarity or understanding of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "possessed a strong understanding of" exist, "had a good knowledge of" remains a common and effective choice. When using this phrase, ensure the subject of knowledge is clearly specified. With a neutral register, this phrase is suitable for various formal and informal settings, establishing it as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possessed a strong understanding of

Replaces "had" with "possessed" and "knowledge" with "understanding", implying a more profound comprehension.

had substantial insight into

Focuses on a deep understanding and perception of the subject.

had a solid grasp of

Emphasizes a firm and comprehensive understanding.

had expertise in

Suggests specialized or professional knowledge.

was well-versed in

Implies extensive knowledge acquired through study or experience.

demonstrated proficiency in

Highlights the ability to apply knowledge effectively.

was conversant in

Implies the ability to discuss the subject intelligently.

was familiar with

Suggests a general awareness or acquaintance with the subject.

knew a great deal about

Uses a more informal tone to express significant knowledge.

was acquainted with

Implies a basic familiarity or awareness.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "had a good knowledge of"?

You can use alternatives like "possessed a strong understanding of", "was well-versed in", or "had a solid grasp of" depending on the context.

How can I use "had a good knowledge of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's understanding or familiarity with a particular subject. For example, "The engineer had a good knowledge of thermodynamics."

Which is more appropriate, "had a good knowledge of" or "had a deep understanding of"?

"Had a deep understanding of" implies a more profound level of comprehension compared to "had a good knowledge of". Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual level of understanding.

Is it correct to say "had a good knowledge about" instead of "had a good knowledge of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "had a good knowledge" is "of". Therefore, "had a good knowledge of" is the grammatically correct option.