intimate knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"intimate knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express a person's insights, understanding, or familiarity with a particular subject, person, or thing. For example, "I have intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He has intimate knowledge".

The New York Times

Mr. Kirtzman has intimate knowledge of both.

The New York Times

Intimate knowledge of the artist's style is critical.

The New York Times - Arts

He possesses intimate knowledge of the Washington bureaucracy.

The New York Times

An intimate knowledge of the products being sold?

The Guardian - Opinion

Intimate knowledge of the business went with him.

The New York Times

Mr Lay has also denied intimate knowledge of the partnerships.

The Economist

He gains intimate knowledge of Anastasia's body but won't allow her to gain intimate knowledge of his; he refuses to be touched, to be caressed.

The New Yorker

Granada was my base, and I developed an intimate knowledge of the city.

The New York Times - Travel

But I didn't expect to gain such intimate knowledge of what that meant.

The Guardian

They are frail, precarious and need vigilant attention and intimate knowledge; safety and love.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intimate knowledge" to describe a deep, personal understanding gained through experience or study. For example, "Her intimate knowledge of the local culture helped her navigate the complex social landscape."

Common error

Avoid using "intimate knowledge" when referring to superficial or cursory understanding. "Intimate knowledge" implies a depth that casual acquaintance does not provide.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimate knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, where "intimate" modifies "knowledge". According to Ludwig, it describes a deep understanding or familiarity with something. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from personal experiences to professional expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intimate knowledge" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a deep and thorough understanding of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news media and scientific contexts. The phrase suggests more than just a passing familiarity; it implies a level of expertise gained through experience or detailed study. Related phrases like "deep understanding" and "thorough familiarity" can provide alternative ways to express this concept, depending on the specific nuance desired. While appropriate for formal writing, avoid using "intimate knowledge" when referring to superficial understanding. Overall, the phrase is a powerful way to convey profound expertise and insight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep understanding

Focuses on comprehension rather than familiarity.

thorough familiarity

Emphasizes a comprehensive acquaintance.

profound insight

Highlights the depth of understanding.

extensive awareness

Stresses a broad scope of knowledge.

detailed acquaintance

Focuses on knowing the specifics.

specialized expertise

Highlights professional skill based on knowledge.

in-depth comprehension

Emphasizes the completeness of understanding.

personal familiarity

Focuses on the subjective and direct experience.

practical awareness

Highlights the knowledge application in real-world contexts.

keen perception

Highlights the incisiveness and quality of one's understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "intimate knowledge" to describe someone's deep understanding of a particular subject, such as, "The detective's "intimate knowledge" of the city's underworld was crucial to solving the case."

What phrases can I use instead of "intimate knowledge"?

Alternatives include "deep understanding", "thorough familiarity", or "profound insight" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "intimate knowledge" in formal writing?

Yes, "intimate knowledge" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing expertise or deep understanding gained through extensive experience or study. It is common in both academic and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "intimate knowledge" and "familiarity"?

"Familiarity" implies a general awareness or acquaintance, while "intimate knowledge" suggests a much deeper, more comprehensive understanding. "Intimate knowledge" typically comes from prolonged engagement or study.