intimate knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intimate knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a deep or thorough understanding of a subject or topic. Example: "Her intimate knowledge of the subject made her an invaluable resource during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

Turing's role in wartime code-breaking had left him with an intimate knowledge of British intelligence.

The New Yorker

That kind of intimate knowledge of a market is what HarperCollins is banking on.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intimate knowledge of" when you want to emphasize not just understanding, but also a sense of deep familiarity, personal experience, or close connection with the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "intimate knowledge of" in contexts where a simple "understanding of" or "familiarity with" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimate knowledge of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by providing additional information about the depth and nature of the knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intimate knowledge of" signifies a deep and personal understanding of a subject, going beyond mere familiarity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this prepositional phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While interchangeable with alternatives like "thorough understanding of" or "profound insight into", it carries a nuance of personal experience and close connection. When using this phrase, consider whether the context truly warrants emphasizing this deeper level of familiarity, avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough understanding of

Replaces "intimate knowledge" with a more general term for deep understanding.

profound insight into

Focuses on the depth of understanding and perception.

deep familiarity with

Emphasizes the closeness and experience with the subject.

extensive acquaintance with

Highlights a broad and detailed understanding.

comprehensive grasp of

Stresses a complete and thorough understanding.

detailed awareness of

Focuses on the specific details and consciousness of the subject.

keen appreciation for

Highlights a strong understanding and positive regard.

mastery of

Implies a high level of skill and understanding.

expertise in

Emphasizes specialized skill or technical knowledge.

close comprehension of

Highlights a detailed and near understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "intimate knowledge of" to describe a deep and personal understanding of a subject. For example, "Her intimate knowledge of the local culture helped her navigate the city easily."

What are some alternatives to "intimate knowledge of"?

You can use alternatives such as "thorough understanding of", "profound insight into", or "deep familiarity with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "intimate knowledge about" or "intimate knowledge of"?

"Intimate knowledge of" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing. While "intimate knowledge about" might be understood, it's not as widely accepted.

What's the difference between "intimate knowledge of" and "detailed knowledge of"?

"Intimate knowledge of" suggests a deeper, more personal familiarity, often gained through experience. "Detailed knowledge of", on the other hand, simply indicates a comprehensive understanding of the specifics of a subject. While both imply understanding, "intimate knowledge of" also suggests an element of closeness or personal involvement.