knowledge of what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knowledge of what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the specific subject or area of knowledge someone possesses or is referring to. Example: "I am curious about your knowledge of what is required for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No knowledge of what was happening.

The Guardian

Knowledge of what promotes such service use is limited.

Journal of Affective Disorders

"But they don't have complete knowledge of what they're protesting.

The New York Times

Was it the knowledge of what that virtuosity demanded?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Therefore, we have no firsthand knowledge of what happened there.

The New Yorker

Here John's knowledge of what had been published was invaluable.

The Guardian - Books

Egyptians or Bangladeshis have little knowledge of what Shias believe.

The Economist

"I have firsthand knowledge of what it's like.

The New York Times

Someone with knowledge of what happened confirmed that account.

The New York Times

There is little knowledge of what organisms are selected for once brought to the subsurface.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

However, there is very little fundamental knowledge of what determines their friction and wear.

Tribology International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "knowledge of what", ensure the "what" is clearly defined or easily understood from the context. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject or area of knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "knowledge of what" in overly abstract or philosophical contexts where a more specific term would provide clarity. Ensure the phrase connects to concrete information or skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knowledge of what" functions as a prepositional phrase, where "knowledge" serves as the noun, "of" is the preposition, and "what" introduces a dependent clause specifying the object of knowledge. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "knowledge of what" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, indicating an understanding or awareness of specific information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity regarding the object of knowledge. Alternatives like "understanding of what" or "awareness of what" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understanding of what

Focuses on comprehension and insight, rather than simply possessing information.

awareness of what

Highlights a state of being conscious or informed about something.

comprehension of what

Emphasizes the ability to grasp the meaning or significance of something.

grasp of what

Suggests a firm understanding or control over a particular subject.

familiarity with what

Implies being acquainted or conversant with a particular topic.

insight into what

Highlights a deeper understanding or perception of a situation.

expertise in what

Indicates a high level of skill or knowledge in a specific area.

intelligence regarding what

Focuses on the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.

background in what

Emphasizes previous experience and knowledge in a particular field.

scholarship concerning what

Suggests advanced academic knowledge and research in a specific domain.

FAQs

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

You can use "knowledge of what" to refer to an understanding or awareness of specific information or skills. For example, "His "knowledge of what" the project required was invaluable."

What are some alternatives to "knowledge of what"?

Alternatives include "understanding of what", "awareness of what", or "comprehension of what", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "knowledge of what" or "understanding of what"?

"Knowledge of what" generally refers to possessing information, while "understanding of what" implies a deeper grasp of the information and its implications. The best choice depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "knowledge of what" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to emphasize the specific information or skills that someone possesses. Ensure the phrase is followed by a clear and specific description of what is known. If you are looking for alternatives to make your sentence more sophisticated, you may use "expertise in what" or "scholarship concerning what".