instinctive knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instinctive knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an inherent understanding or awareness of a subject or concept without the need for formal education or training. Example: "Her instinctive knowledge of animal behavior allowed her to connect with the wildlife in a way that few others could."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 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

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

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

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

In "The Lost World of the Kalahari" and other writings, van der Post claimed to have had a Bushman, sometimes a half-Bushman, nanny, from whom he derived his special, instinctive knowledge of the group.

The New York Times - Books

Although the decision to depict Ramsey and Lawrence as such polar opposites makes for a schematic story line, this flaw is steamrollered by Ms. Shriver's instinctive knowledge of her heroine's heart and mind and her ability to limn Irina's very different relationships with these two men.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

These women are united in their unsettling attraction to each other as well as the instinctive knowledge that the ramifications of a serious relationship will be unnerving and exhilarating.

Los Angeles Times

Here, iML could help to equip algorithms with such "instinctive" knowledge and learn thereof.

Brain Informatics

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

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 of" to describe an understanding gained through experience and intuition rather than formal learning. It's particularly effective when emphasizing a natural or innate ability.

Common error

Avoid using "instinctive knowledge of" when describing expertise gained primarily through study or training. Reserve it for situations where intuition and natural aptitude are key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instinctive knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase, describing a type of understanding that is inherent rather than learned. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes an inherent understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instinctive knowledge of" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase denoting an inherent or intuitive understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not overly common, it finds usage across news, media, and general knowledge contexts. Alternatives like "innate understanding of" or "intuitive grasp of" can provide nuanced variations. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a natural aptitude rather than learned expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

innate understanding of

Focuses on the inherent quality of understanding, highlighting that it's inborn rather than learned.

intuitive grasp of

Emphasizes the ability to quickly and easily understand something without conscious reasoning.

inherent awareness of

Highlights an inborn sense or perception of something.

natural aptitude for

Indicates a natural talent or skill in a particular area.

untaught expertise in

Stresses that the knowledge comes without formal instruction.

inborn proficiency in

Highlights a natural and inherent competence or skill.

visceral understanding of

Emphasizes a deep, emotional, and intuitive understanding.

gut feeling about

Implies knowledge based on intuition and instinct rather than reason.

unconscious competence in

Focuses on competence that is so ingrained it's performed without conscious thought.

implicit know-how regarding

Highlights practical skill and knowledge that is understood but not explicitly expressed.

FAQs

What does "instinctive knowledge of" mean?

The phrase "instinctive knowledge of" refers to an inherent or intuitive understanding of something, often acquired through experience rather than formal education.

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

You can use it to describe someone's natural ability or understanding. For example: "Her "instinctive knowledge of" animal behavior allowed her to predict their actions."

What are some alternatives to "instinctive knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "innate understanding of", "intuitive grasp of", or "inherent awareness of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "instinctive knowledge of" the same as "gut feeling about"?

While both involve intuition, "instinctive knowledge of" suggests a deeper, more developed understanding, while "gut feeling about" implies a more immediate, emotional reaction without necessarily having expertise.