has a working knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a working knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's familiarity or competence with a particular subject or skill. Example: "She has a working knowledge of Spanish, which helps her communicate with clients in Mexico."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

(He has a working knowledge of fifteen others).

The New Yorker

He has studied English, Gujarati, Sanskrit, and Persian, and has a working knowledge of the Burmese language.

Cornell University

Rustow, who has a working knowledge of 10 languages, mainly uses Hebrew, Arabic, and Aramaic to decipher the documents.

Princeton University

Lawrence H. Summers's shortcomings notwithstanding, Janet L. Yellen seems eminently qualified to be Fed chairwoman, and she has a working knowledge of the institution.

The New York Times

And the religious leader, who is a creature of the state and has a working knowledge of its laws, laughs because "it was the funniest thing he had ever heard".

The New Yorker

They fit the bill of what should be required of the next Jets general manager -- someone who has worked as a road scout, in a team's front office, has dealt with the salary cap, dealt effectively with agents and has a working knowledge of the league.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He also had a working knowledge of Greek.

The Guardian

On some of our jobs in the Americas you need to have a working knowledge of Spanish.

The Guardian - Money

By the end of their first year, Dan Everett had a working knowledge of Pirahã.

The New Yorker

He spoke six languages fluently and had a working knowledge of a half dozen more.

The New York Times

"Bernie was endearing, but he didn't even have a working knowledge of the business".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience's expectations. If you aim to convey deep expertise, using phrases like "proficient in" or "expert in" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "has a working knowledge of" when describing someone who is actually an expert. This phrase suggests a practical but not necessarily comprehensive understanding. If the individual possesses deep expertise, use stronger terms such as "proficient in" or "expert in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a working knowledge of" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing the extent of someone's understanding or skill. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has a working knowledge of" is a grammatically correct and useful way to describe someone's level of competence in a particular area. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests a practical understanding rather than deep expertise. It is commonly used in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the individual's capabilities; avoid overstating their expertise if they only possess a basic understanding. Alternatives like "is familiar with" or "is competent in" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the diverse applications of this phrase across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is competent in

Focuses on the ability to perform tasks effectively, emphasizing practical skills.

possesses familiarity with

Indicates a state of being acquainted with something, implying a degree of understanding or skill.

has a basic understanding of

Emphasizes a foundational level of comprehension, suitable for less technical contexts.

is proficient in

Indicates a high level of skill, suitable for contexts requiring expertise.

is acquainted with

Suggests a casual or introductory level of understanding.

has a grasp of

Implies an understanding of the underlying concepts.

is conversant in

Highlights the ability to discuss or engage with a topic, suitable for professional scenarios.

knows the fundamentals of

Highlights a strong grounding in the core principles.

has practical experience in

Stresses hands-on expertise, suggesting a more applied form of knowledge.

has exposure to

Implies some contact or experience, but not necessarily deep understanding.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have a working knowledge of" something?

To "have a working knowledge of" something means you possess enough understanding and skill to use it effectively or discuss it competently, though not necessarily at an expert level. It implies a practical understanding rather than comprehensive expertise.

How can I use "has a working knowledge of" in a sentence?

You can use "has a working knowledge of" to describe someone's competence in a particular area. For example, "She "has a working knowledge of Spanish", which helps her communicate with clients in Mexico."

What are some alternatives to saying "has a working knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "is familiar with", "has a basic understanding of", or "is conversant in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "has a working knowledge of" or "is proficient in"?

"Has a working knowledge of" implies a basic to intermediate level of understanding and competence, while "is proficient in" suggests a high degree of skill and expertise. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the individual's capabilities.