little knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a limited understanding or awareness of a particular subject or topic. Example: "She has little knowledge of the subject, which is why she struggled during the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Egyptians or Bangladeshis have little knowledge of what Shias believe.

The Economist

"There is little knowledge of Islam here," he said.

The New York Times

Neill had little knowledge of the university's latest basketball achievement.

The New York Times - Sports

Western scientists also had little knowledge of Dr. Abrikosov's work until the 1960's.

The New York Times

She had little knowledge of the medium, and composed each tweet by hand in a notebook.

The New Yorker

We have very little knowledge of whether athletes are competing at their best possible distance.

The New Yorker

The sale could be just unfortunate timing by someone with little knowledge of ImClone's business.

The New York Times

They have too little knowledge of the effect of their sentences, he says.

The Guardian

He said he had had little knowledge of the schooner's significance.

The New York Times

Louisiana said its call center was staffed with "temporary workers, with little knowledge" of unemployment insurance.

The New York Times

The couple have little knowledge of architecture, but they became family friends.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little knowledge of", specify the area or subject matter to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He has little knowledge", specify "He has little knowledge of astrophysics".

Common error

Avoid overstating the lack of knowledge. "Little knowledge of" implies some awareness, however minimal. If there's absolutely no knowledge, consider "complete ignorance of" or "total unfamiliarity with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little knowledge of" functions as a modifier, specifically indicating a deficiency in understanding or awareness. It frequently precedes a noun phrase specifying the subject area where knowledge is lacking, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little knowledge of" is a versatile phrase used to express a limited understanding or awareness of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. When using the phrase, ensure to specify the area of limited knowledge and avoid overstating the extent of the lack. Alternatives like "limited understanding of" or "scant awareness of" can provide nuanced alternatives. Ultimately, mastering this phrase will improve the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited understanding of

Focuses on comprehension rather than just awareness.

scant awareness of

Emphasizes a minimal level of consciousness or familiarity.

superficial grasp of

Suggests a lack of in-depth comprehension.

rudimentary understanding of

Implies a basic, underdeveloped comprehension.

poor understanding of

Highlights the substandard quality of comprehension.

minimal familiarity with

Emphasizes a low level of acquaintance or experience.

limited exposure to

Highlights restricted contact or experience with something.

tenuous acquaintance with

Indicates a weak or insubstantial connection or understanding.

basic unfamiliarity with

Highlights the lack of knowledge in a basic and fundamental way.

lack of insight into

Focuses on the absence of deep understanding or perception.

FAQs

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

You can use "little knowledge of" to describe someone's limited understanding or awareness of a particular subject. For example, "Despite her efforts, she still had "little knowledge of" the topic".

What are some alternatives to "little knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "limited understanding of", "scant awareness of", or "superficial grasp of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "few knowledge of" instead of "little knowledge of"?

No, "few knowledge of" is grammatically incorrect. "Little" is used with uncountable nouns like knowledge. The correct phrase is ""little knowledge of"".

What's the difference between "limited knowledge of" and ""little knowledge of""?

While similar, "limited knowledge of" suggests a defined boundary to one's understanding, whereas ""little knowledge of"" can imply a more general lack of depth or detail.