knowledge of how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'knowledge of how' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to reference the understanding of how to do something. For example, "Having a comprehensive knowledge of how to create a budget was essential for my job as an accountant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Couple that with a knowledge of how the movie world works".

The New York Times

You come into the league with ability but no knowledge of how to use that ability.

The New York Times - Sports

Each piece has an endnote, written in the knowledge of how things turned out.

The Guardian - Books

But knowledge of how to do that is still lacking in most cases.

The New York Times

Amaker had a lot of knowledge of how difficult Littlejohn Coliseum can be.

The New York Times - Sports

But syn3.0 could still expand scientists' knowledge of how existing organisms function.

The New Yorker

They have got to have broad knowledge of how stores work, as well as online sales".

The Guardian - Business

They have lost the knowledge of how to influence and the habit of trying.

The Guardian

He had to look to me for knowledge of how the game worked".

The New Yorker

The administration possesses substantial knowledge of how Mr. Mugabe has plundered Zimbabwe.

The New York Times

In Rowe's favour is his knowledge of how M&S actually works.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "knowledge of how", ensure that the context clearly specifies what the subject understands how to do. For example, instead of "He has knowledge of how", specify "He has knowledge of how to repair engines."

Common error

Avoid using "knowledge of how" in overly broad or vague contexts. For instance, stating "She has knowledge of how things work" lacks specificity. Instead, clarify what 'things' refers to, such as "She has knowledge of how the stock market works."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knowledge of how" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the possession of information regarding the manner in which something operates or is performed, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "knowledge of how" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express comprehension and ability regarding processes and skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and utilized across numerous contexts, including news, science, and business. To ensure clarity, specify what the subject understands how to do, avoiding overly broad statements. Alternatives such as "understanding of the process" or "grasp of the method" can provide nuanced variations. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "knowledge of how" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understanding of the process

Focuses more on comprehending the steps involved rather than just knowing how to do something.

grasp of the method

Emphasizes a firm understanding and control over a particular method or technique.

familiarity with the procedure

Highlights being acquainted with the steps and rules of a specific procedure.

expertise in the technique

Stresses a high level of skill and proficiency in a specific technique.

command of the art

Suggests a mastery and skillful application of a particular art or skill.

proficiency in execution

Highlights competence and skill in performing or executing a task.

insight into the workings

Focuses on having a deep understanding of how something functions or operates.

awareness of the mechanisms

Emphasizes being conscious and informed about the underlying mechanisms or processes.

know-how in implementation

Highlights the practical skills and understanding needed to implement something effectively.

practical understanding of application

Focuses on the real-world understanding and ability to apply knowledge in practical situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "knowledge of how" to indicate understanding or proficiency in a process. For example, "A thorough understanding of US health care spending requires "knowledge of how comorbidities impact spending"."

What are some alternatives to "knowledge of how"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "knowledge of how" include "understanding of the process", "grasp of the method", or "familiarity with the procedure".

When is it best to use "knowledge of how" versus "understanding of how"?

"Knowledge of how" often implies practical skill and application, while "understanding of how" suggests a more theoretical comprehension. Use "knowledge" when referring to the ability to perform a task and "understanding" when referring to grasping the underlying principles.

Is it redundant to say "knowledge of how to"?

While "knowledge of how to" can be grammatically correct, it can sometimes be redundant. Consider simplifying the sentence to "knowledge to" or "ability to" for more concise phrasing. For example, instead of "He had knowledge of how to fix the car", try "He had the knowledge to fix the car".