little knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"little knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as when discussing the power of knowledge. For example, "A little knowledge can go a long way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A little knowledge, maybe?

The New York Times - Style

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing?

Harvard Business Review

c) A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

The Guardian - Books

Hearsay and a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

The Guardian

A little knowledge had always been a dangerous thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yes, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

The New York Times

WITH Crozes-Hermitage, a little knowledge goes a long way.

The New York Times - Food

You know what they say about a little knowledge.

The New York Times

A little knowledge is, in fact, a dangerous thing.

The New York Times

But outside the English top flight there was little knowledge.

The Guardian - Sport

At the highest level there is very little knowledge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "little knowledge" with cautionary phrases like "can be a dangerous thing" to highlight potential risks associated with incomplete understanding.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "little knowledge". While incomplete understanding can be problematic, it doesn't always lead to catastrophic outcomes. A balanced perspective is more credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of having limited information or understanding about a particular topic. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little knowledge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a state of limited understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal academic writing to news reporting. While versatile, be mindful of overstating the impact of limited knowledge and always provide sufficient context for clarity. Remember, while a little knowledge can be a starting point, it's crucial to strive for a more comprehensive understanding to avoid potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited understanding

Focuses on comprehension rather than just information.

scant information

Emphasizes the lack of available data or facts.

basic understanding

Implies a foundational but not comprehensive grasp.

rudimentary knowledge

Suggests a very elementary level of understanding.

superficial understanding

Highlights a lack of depth in comprehension.

partial awareness

Indicates some, but not complete, cognizance.

incomplete information

Focuses on the state of the available data.

fragmentary knowledge

Suggests knowledge that is broken or disjointed.

cursory familiarity

Emphasizes a brief and shallow introduction.

slight acquaintance

Suggests a minimal level of knowing something.

FAQs

What does the phrase "little knowledge" mean?

The phrase "little knowledge" refers to having a limited or incomplete understanding of a subject or situation. It implies that the understanding is not comprehensive and may be insufficient.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "little knowledge"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that someone's understanding is limited or when you're discussing the risks associated with incomplete information, as suggested by the proverb "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "little knowledge"?

Alternatives include "limited understanding", "scant information", or "basic understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "little knowledge" always a negative thing?

Not necessarily. While the phrase often carries a negative connotation, suggesting potential for mistakes or misjudgment, "little knowledge" can also be a starting point for learning and further exploration. It's important to recognize what you don't know to seek better understanding.