have a broad knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

'have a broad knowledge of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you refer to a wide range of understanding or knowledge of a particular subject. For example: "In order to be successful in this role, you must have a broad knowledge of accounting principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is desirable that the physics major have a broad knowledge of general chemistry and that the chemistry major have a broad knowledge of general physics.

Columbia University

People attempting the puzzles not only need excellent maths skills but must have a broad knowledge of the English language as well as some French.

The Guardian

Applicants should have a broad knowledge of the health, welfare, education and other aspects of public policy and an ability to write clearly and perceptively about them.

The Economist

At the undergraduate level, our goal is to create students who excel in engineering and applied sciences, but also have a broad knowledge of other disciplines and wish to connect advances in engineering to society's most challenging problems.

Harvard University

Get hands-on research opportunities in the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which seeks to produce "renaissance engineers"—students who excel in applied science and also have a broad knowledge of other disciplines.

Harvard University

For the use of PCM in building constructions, it is necessary to have a broad knowledge of the thermo-physical properties to support adequate design/optimization approaches.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Companies, he said, expect employees to have a broader knowledge of operations for more engagement and collaboration with managers.

The Washington Post

Our research position now is that we need to cover all of those areas and go deeper into EU basics to ensure we have a broader knowledge of EU law generally.

Columbia University

Students will have a broader knowledge of a tumultuous time in recent US history.

Johns Hopkins University

The report advises that health trusts should have a broader knowledge of why caesareans are being carried out.

BBC

The business fellows are the ones who understand the complex, specialised research in our departments; technology transfer officers have a broader knowledge of industry and how the business world works.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a broad knowledge of", ensure that the context clarifies the specific areas or subjects of which the knowledge is broad. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have a broad knowledge of" when describing expertise in a very specific or narrow field. This phrase implies a general understanding across multiple areas, not deep knowledge within a single domain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a broad knowledge of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the possession of a general understanding or familiarity with a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Examples show it used to describe the desired skills in various professions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a broad knowledge of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to describe a general understanding across various aspects of a subject, as verified by Ludwig AI. It's common in academic, news, and scientific contexts, suggesting its suitability for professional and informative communication. While alternatives like "have a comprehensive understanding of" or "be well-versed in" exist, this phrase effectively conveys the breadth of one's knowledge. Remember to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity and ensure that it aligns with the expertise you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a comprehensive understanding of

Focuses on understanding rather than just possessing knowledge.

have a wide-ranging understanding of

Similar to broad knowledge, but emphasizes the range of understanding.

maintain a working knowledge of

Implies practical, usable knowledge rather than theoretical understanding.

possess extensive familiarity with

Emphasizes the extent of familiarity rather than breadth of knowledge.

have a sweeping overview of

Suggests a comprehensive but not necessarily detailed knowledge.

be well-versed in

Highlights being skilled and knowledgeable in a particular area.

demonstrate a solid grounding in

Highlights having a firm foundation of knowledge.

be acquainted with a wide range of

Suggests familiarity with a diverse set of topics.

command a general grasp of

Implies control and understanding of a subject.

exhibit a general awareness of

Focuses on being aware rather than deeply knowledgeable.

FAQs

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

To "have a broad knowledge of" something means to have a general understanding of many aspects of a particular subject, rather than a deep understanding of a few specific details. It suggests familiarity with a wide range of topics within that area.

How can I demonstrate that I "have a broad knowledge of" a subject in a job interview?

You can demonstrate that you "have a broad knowledge of" a subject by discussing various aspects of the field, referencing different concepts and trends, and showing an understanding of how different elements relate to each other. Providing examples from different areas within the subject showcases the breadth of your understanding.

What are some alternative ways to say "have a broad knowledge of"?

You can use alternatives like "have a comprehensive understanding of", "be well-versed in", or "possess extensive familiarity with" depending on the context.

Is it better to "have a broad knowledge of" something or a deep knowledge?

Whether it's better to "have a broad knowledge of" something or a deep knowledge depends on the situation. Broad knowledge is useful for general understanding and connecting different ideas, while deep knowledge is valuable for specialized tasks and problem-solving. Both have their place and value.