instinctive knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instinctive knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an understanding or awareness that comes naturally, without the need for conscious reasoning or learning. Example: "Her instinctive knowledge of animal behavior allowed her to train the dog effectively without formal instruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

His friend Louise Durrant, with whom he played duets for many years, has testified to Mike's instinctive knowledge of the way his partner played.

The Guardian - Music

But without the Egyptian's instinctive knowledge of soccer, and his ability to buy and sell in the market, there might be no Fulham today.

The New York Times - Sports

For me, it's Bob Geldof, magnificent Bob with all his wildness and passion and instinctive knowledge of what is right and wrong, and the grandeur of his ambitions.

The Guardian - Music

She says now that her adolescent rebellion sprang from a lust for experience, an instinctive knowledge that she needed to be out in the real world, gathering material.

The Guardian

The Red Wings play long stretches without giving up the puck; their passes are made with instinctive knowledge of where every player will be.

The New York Times - Sports

In such passages, Mr. Baker demonstrates an innate understanding of the clarity and common sense that bright children so often possess, and he uses this instinctive knowledge to imbue Nory's story with a sprightly, eccentric humor.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I have an instinctive and cultivated knowledge of what physical beauty is, and anything in direct violation of my taste and knowledge -- like your picture, -- simply sickens me.

Huffington Post

What is the wider society's instinctive attitude toward knowledge?

The New York Times - Magazine

Genetically there is the experience, and that instinctive part of my knowledge is more important for my behaviour in dangerous situations on the mountain than pure intelligence … without this instinct I would not be here".

The Guardian

Moral actions, as opposed to instinctive or mechanical behavior, presuppose knowledge since this class of acts is grounded on judgments that in turn are at the foundation of theoretical knowledge.

SEP

Torre's instinctive fairness came from his firsthand knowledge of the inexorable built-in swoops and lurches of baseball fortune.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instinctive knowledge" to describe an understanding that is deeply ingrained and requires no conscious thought. It's best used when emphasizing the automatic and natural nature of the knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "instinctive knowledge" when referring to skills or knowledge acquired through study or practice. "Instinctive knowledge" implies an innate understanding, whereas expertise is developed over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instinctive knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, describing a type of understanding or awareness that is inherent and not learned. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns and describing qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instinctive knowledge" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an inherent understanding or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts. While not extremely common, it's frequently found in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, consider whether you are truly referring to knowledge that is innate, or if the understanding is the result of learning and experience. If the former, "instinctive knowledge" is an appropriate choice. If the latter, alternative phrases such as "learned expertise" or "acquired skill" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intuitive understanding

Emphasizes the role of intuition as the primary source of understanding, highlighting a feeling-based cognition.

innate awareness

Focuses on awareness being present from birth or inherently within someone.

inherent understanding

Highlights that the understanding is a natural part of something or someone.

natural insight

Focuses on the insight as being naturally occurring and effortless.

unconscious competence

Describes a level of skill where performance is automatic and requires no conscious thought.

gut feeling

Informal term emphasizing a strong, intuitive sense about something.

visceral knowledge

Connects knowledge to a deep, emotional, or gut-level understanding.

tacit knowing

Implies knowledge that is difficult to transfer to another person by means of writing it down or verbalizing it.

implicit understanding

Highlights the understanding as being implied or not directly expressed.

second nature

Suggests that something has become so natural and automatic as to seem instinctive.

FAQs

How can I use "instinctive knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "instinctive knowledge" to describe a natural understanding or awareness that someone possesses, for example: "Her "instinctive knowledge" of music allowed her to play beautifully without formal training".

What's the difference between "instinctive knowledge" and "intuitive understanding"?

"Instinctive knowledge" implies an inherent, often unconscious understanding, whereas "intuitive understanding" suggests a more conscious, though still immediate, grasp of something.

What are some alternatives to "instinctive knowledge"?

Alternatives include "innate awareness", "inherent understanding", or "natural insight", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "instinctive knowledge" the same as "common sense"?

While both relate to understanding, "instinctive knowledge" refers to an inherent understanding of a specific thing, while "common sense" refers to a more general and practical understanding of everyday situations.