have a passing knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a passing knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a basic or superficial understanding of a subject without deep expertise. Example: "While I have a passing knowledge of French, I am not fluent and would struggle with complex conversations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Not many viewers saw this year's best foreign film, "Paradise Now," but most have a passing knowledge of "Desperate Housewives".

The New York Times

Let's pause for a second and note that it might be helpful if you have a passing knowledge of "The Simpsons," Matt Groening's long-lived animated series that finds gloriously inventive form and function in the dysfunctional all-American family.

The New York Times

Though I have a passing knowledge of things technical, just enough to get me into trouble before running to the computer repair shop, I work with geniuses.

Los Angeles Times

It is possible to send a letter explaining why you cannot represent yourself, but to construct a strong argument, it would probably help to have a passing knowledge of case law.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Well, anyone who knows my stuff and has a passing knowledge of Anglican hymns and anthems can see the overlap.

The Guardian - Music

'I sat in one team meeting when he made himself deliberately unintelligible to all but those who had a passing knowledge of jive and, if officialdom was to blame for anything it was for turning a blind eye to his boorish behaviour and then making him team captain to buy some peace,' noted now ennobled Baron Coe of Ranmore in the County of Surrey.

The Guardian

"If you have studied or have even a passing knowledge of animal behavior, it's hard to see how our rules and regulation fit in," he says at one point.

The New York Times

Even if you've never met anyone who has had cancer and you don't have more than a passing knowledge of human biology, there's the fact that cancer causes 14.6 per cent of deaths worldwide (according to the World Health Organisation Report 2012), for starters.

Independent

'Most Australians have at least a passing knowledge of John Simpson Kirkpatrick and his donkey.

The Guardian - Books

And it is also a time for people who have more than a passing knowledge of, and interest in, the EU," Kinnock wrote.

The Guardian

"Jamesland" delivers up exactly such a world: the novel teems with people who have at least a passing knowledge of the philosopher's oeuvre, and often more than that (this is not the Los Angeles most of us know).

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a passing knowledge of" when you want to indicate that someone possesses a basic, non-expert understanding of a subject. It's useful for setting expectations about the depth of someone's knowledge.

Common error

Avoid overstating someone's abilities. Saying they "have a passing knowledge of" something doesn't mean they can perform complex tasks related to it. Be clear about the limitations of their understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a passing knowledge of" functions as a verb phrase that indicates a limited or superficial understanding of a particular subject or topic. This is confirmed by Ludwig's examples, which show it being used to describe a basic level of familiarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a passing knowledge of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates a basic or superficial understanding of a topic. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides various examples from reputable sources. It's important to use this phrase accurately to avoid overstating someone's expertise. Consider alternatives like "possess a basic understanding of" or "have a rudimentary grasp of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess a basic understanding of

This alternative uses "possess" and "basic understanding" to convey a similar level of familiarity.

have a rudimentary grasp of

Replaces "passing knowledge" with "rudimentary grasp", suggesting a slightly less secure understanding.

be superficially acquainted with

Uses "superficially acquainted" to highlight the lack of deep knowledge.

have a limited familiarity with

Emphasizes the restricted extent of knowledge using "limited familiarity".

be somewhat knowledgeable about

Replaces "passing knowledge" with "somewhat knowledgeable", indicating a moderate level of awareness.

have a nodding acquaintance with

Uses the idiom "nodding acquaintance" to suggest a slight and impersonal familiarity.

know a little about

A simpler and more direct way to express having some, but not extensive, knowledge.

have a general awareness of

Focuses on having a broad, rather than detailed, understanding.

be conversant with the basics of

Indicates being able to hold a basic conversation about the subject.

have heard of

Suggests a very minimal level of knowledge, implying awareness of existence rather than understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "have a passing knowledge of" in a sentence?

You can use "have a passing knowledge of" to indicate a basic level of understanding, as in "I "have a passing knowledge of" French, so I can understand simple conversations".

What's a good alternative to "have a passing knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "possess a basic understanding of", "have a rudimentary grasp of", or "be superficially acquainted with".

Is it appropriate to use "have a passing knowledge of" in formal writing?

Yes, "have a passing knowledge of" is suitable for formal writing when you need to describe a limited understanding without being overly critical. It maintains a neutral tone.

What's the difference between "have a passing knowledge of" and "be an expert in"?

"Have a passing knowledge of" implies a superficial understanding, while "be an expert in" suggests extensive and deep knowledge. They represent opposite ends of the knowledge spectrum.