have knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about having some understanding of a certain topic or concept. For example, "The applicant must have knowledge of coding in order to be considered for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He claims to have knowledge of the group's media operations.

The Guardian

Do you have knowledge of it, or not?

The New York Times

They seemed to have knowledge of counterterrorism techniques.

The Guardian

Have knowledge of basic searching and sorting algorithms.

Cornell University

Have knowledge of the basics of vector computation.

Cornell University

Outcome 3: Have knowledge of basic sorting and searching algorithms.

Cornell University

They're not going to necessarily have knowledge of that".

The New York Times

They have knowledge of good and correct driving procedures.

Procedia Computer Science

Applicant must have knowledge of all surface routes from home to nearest cash machine.

The New Yorker

"There are some 'thinktanks' in Washington who claim to have knowledge of such things".

The Guardian

She supervised virtually every procurement contract and she would have knowledge of any wrongdoing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have knowledge of" when emphasizing a formal or demonstrable understanding of a subject. This phrasing is suitable for professional, academic, or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "have knowledge of" in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "know about" or "be familiar with" are often more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have knowledge of" functions as a verbal phrase indicating possession of information or understanding about a particular subject. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis and the examples provided, which demonstrate its use in various contexts to express awareness and comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have knowledge of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the possession of information or understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans diverse contexts, from academia and science to news and media. While highly versatile, it's important to consider the register; simpler alternatives like "know about" or "be familiar with" may be more appropriate for informal settings. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately employ "have knowledge of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have an understanding of

Highlights the comprehension aspect of knowledge.

know about

A simpler, more general way of expressing knowledge.

be familiar with

Implies a general understanding, but not necessarily deep expertise.

be acquainted with

Indicates familiarity, often implying less depth of understanding than "have knowledge of".

be versed in

Suggests a comprehensive and detailed understanding, implying expertise.

have expertise in

Emphasizes specialized skill and proficiency.

have insight into

Suggests a deeper, more intuitive understanding.

possess information about

Focuses on having specific data or facts, rather than broader understanding.

be cognizant of

Implies a formal and conscious awareness.

be aware of

Indicates a basic level of consciousness or recognition.

FAQs

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

You can use "have knowledge of" to indicate understanding or awareness of a subject, as in, "The candidate must "have knowledge of" the relevant regulations."

What are some alternatives to "have knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "be familiar with", "know about", or "be acquainted with", depending on the level of formality and depth of understanding you want to convey.

Is it better to use "have knowledge of" or "know about"?

"Have knowledge of" is more formal and suggests a deeper, more demonstrable understanding, while "know about" is more general and informal. Choose the phrase that best suits the context and your intended audience.

When is it inappropriate to use "have knowledge of"?

It may be inappropriate in very casual or informal settings where a simpler phrase like "know about" would be more suitable. Overusing formal language can sound stilted.