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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
know how of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "know how of" is grammatically correct and is often used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone's knowledge or understanding of a particular skill or subject. Example: The successful entrepreneur possessed great knowledge and expertise in the know how of business management. In this sentence, "know how of" is used to indicate the entrepreneur's understanding of business management.
✓ Grammatically correct
Networking
Business
Technology
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
As a Networking professional you should have a comprehensive knowledge base about relevant software and also have a fair know how of the environments that they provide.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Valuation know-how of nanotechnology patents will therefore become critical in deal-making and in bringing about innovation.
Science
Knowledge engineering models emulate the know-how of experts in the domain of activity for which the artifact is built.
Scott is keen to use the know-how of other sports that succeeded in London.
News & Media
It would be a symbol of Thatcherite business know-how, of the new liberated economy.
News & Media
The local firms lacked the technical know-how of Japan's Hitachi and the extensive product range of America's Caterpillar.
News & Media
Behind the headlines, the collective technology and operational know-how of the record-seekers contributed to modern airline travel.
Encyclopedias
The micro heat exchangers or micro reactors in miniature chemical and thermal systems entail the design know-how of microchanneled plates or miniaturized multichannel passages with fins.
To integrate the different know-how of a collaborative project, the parameter management is done by graphonumerical parameters (GNP) which dynamically connect trade knowledge to PLM applications.
Science
French-based automotive equipment supplier Faurecia has acquired exclusive access to the intellectual property and process know-how of composite hydrogen tanks from STELIA Aerospace Composites.
Science
The results show the proposed approach successfully preserves the know-how of senior trades people while also minimising material waste in automating the boarding design and planning.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "know how of", ensure it's followed by a specific area or skill. For example: "the know how of project management" is more effective than simply "the know how".
Common error
Avoid using "know how of" without specifying the subject or area of expertise. Saying someone has the "know how" is vague; clarify the context for better understanding.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "know how of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition, describing the specific knowledge, skills, or abilities someone possesses. As shown in the example from Ludwig, it highlights expertise in a particular domain.
Frequent in
Science
25%
News & Media
25%
Formal & Business
25%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
8%
Wiki
8%
Reference
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "know how of" is grammatically correct and, while not very common, it's used to specify expertise in a particular field. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is typically used to refer to someone's understanding of a specific skill or subject. Its usage spans across science, news, business, encyclopedias and wiki sources, suggesting a neutral register, although it is more common in technical or professional environments. To use it effectively, specify the area of expertise to avoid vagueness, opting for alternatives such as "expertise in" or "knowledge of" for enhanced clarity and impact.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
expertise in
Focuses more directly on specialized skill or knowledge.
knowledge of
Highlights the informational aspect of understanding.
proficiency in
Emphasizes competence and skill level.
understanding of
Emphasizes comprehension rather than practical skill.
skill in
Highlights a particular talent or ability.
competence in
Similar to proficiency, but often implies a broader range of abilities.
mastery of
Implies a high level of skill and control.
familiarity with
Suggests a general awareness and understanding, but not necessarily deep expertise.
grasp of
Indicates a firm understanding or control.
aptitude for
Suggests a natural talent or inclination.
FAQs
How can I use "know how of" in a sentence?
Use "know how of" to specify expertise in a particular field, such as "the "know how of marketing"" or "the "know how of software development"".
What are some alternatives to "know how of"?
Alternatives include "expertise in", "knowledge of", or "skill in", depending on the specific context.
Is it more appropriate to say "know how of" or "know-how in"?
"Know how of" and "know-how in" are both used, but "know how of" is slightly more common. The best choice depends on the specific sentence structure and desired emphasis.
What's the difference between "know how of" and "understanding of"?
"Know how of" emphasizes practical skills and abilities, while "understanding of" focuses on comprehension and theoretical knowledge. Use "know how of" when highlighting the ability to do something, and "understanding of" when emphasizing conceptual knowledge.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested