having a great knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

"having a great knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express that a person or thing understands or is aware of something in a great amount of detail. For example: "John has great knowledge of Ancient Greek literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The ex-Blackpool and Norwich manager is confident he can help the club preserve their Football League status despite not having a great knowledge of the division.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Participants rating themselves as having a greater knowledge of the NHS were more likely to consent in one study [ 45].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

This reflects the fact that the degree of S knowledge varies across languages, with participants having a greater knowledge of S characteristics of words in the L1 relative to the L2.

Behavior Research Methods

He has a great knowledge of modern technology, but he isn't a nerd.

The Guardian

Andy has a great knowledge of rugby, excellent communication skills and bags of positive energy.

Independent

He has a great knowledge of this league and experience in the run-in.

Independent

"They have experts, strategists, planners and designers, they have a great knowledge of the modern technology," Mr. Mujda said.

The New York Times

Mr. Garza "not only has a great knowledge of the border and Mexico, but he has close contact with Bush," Mr. Ocarranza said.

The New York Times

There are rows and rows of busy tables served by staff that have a great knowledge of the menu and speak very good English.

The Guardian - Travel

"Toye was the promotion and marketing man, while Woosnam was the ex-player who had a great knowledge of football," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm more likely to hire someone who has a great knowledge of wine over someone else who doesn't," said Ms. Sanz, whose staff includes Michael Hands, a wine server who is currently taking the sommelier course.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having a great knowledge of" when you want to emphasize the breadth and depth of someone's understanding of a subject. For example, "She is an excellent historian, having a great knowledge of the Roman Empire".

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "having a great knowledge of" in very casual settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "knows a lot about" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a great knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a complement to a verb, to describe someone's expertise or understanding in a particular area. Ludwig's examples illustrate how it modifies individuals or groups, highlighting their level of proficiency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having a great knowledge of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone's expertise or deep understanding in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests using it when you want to emphasize the extent of someone's knowledge. While appropriate for news, academic, and professional contexts, it may be less suitable for informal settings where simpler alternatives like "knows a lot about" might be preferred. The related phrases offer various ways to express similar ideas, allowing for nuanced choices depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly knowledgeable about

A more direct and simple substitution.

having a profound understanding of

Implies a deeper, more insightful level of knowledge.

possessing substantial expertise in

Emphasizes expertise rather than general knowledge.

exhibiting extensive understanding of

Focuses on understanding rather than practical skill.

having comprehensive insight into

Stresses having a broad and complete perspective.

demonstrating considerable proficiency in

Highlights the demonstrated skill level.

possessing a wealth of information on

Highlights the abundance of information known.

well-versed in

A more concise and slightly informal alternative.

showing mastery of

Emphasizes command and control of the subject.

being thoroughly acquainted with

Indicates a detailed familiarity.

FAQs

How can I use "having a great knowledge of" in a sentence?

Use "having a great knowledge of" to describe someone's expertise or deep understanding of a particular subject. For example: "The professor is highly respected for "having a great knowledge of" quantum physics".

What are some alternatives to "having a great knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "highly knowledgeable about", "well-versed in", or "possessing substantial expertise in". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "having a great knowledge of" or "having extensive knowledge of"?

Both phrases are correct. "Having a great knowledge of" emphasizes the breadth and depth of understanding. "Having extensive knowledge of" also indicates considerable understanding. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. You could also consider "having a deep knowledge of".

What's the difference between "having a great knowledge of" and "being knowledgeable about"?

"Having a great knowledge of" suggests a more profound and comprehensive understanding. "Being knowledgeable about" implies a general awareness and familiarity with a subject. Consider the degree of expertise you want to convey when choosing between them.