local knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"local knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to information that may not be widely known, especially in a certain geographic area. For example: "The tour guide shared his local knowledge of the area with the visitors, giving them insight into the city's culture that they would not have been able to gain otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also obtain local knowledge.

Independent

"Local knowledge is essential".

The New York Times

Use your local knowledge.

The Guardian

Local knowledge can also help save lives.

The New York Times

Port security, however, relies on local knowledge.

The New Yorker

Local knowledge is crucial, of course.

The New York Times

Local knowledge, experts say, is irreplaceable.

The New York Times

The farmers had local knowledge after all.

Independent

Technocracies do not defer to local knowledge.

The New York Times

The military, in short, demands local knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

It's local knowledge.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "local knowledge" in your writing, consider specifying the area or topic to which the knowledge pertains to provide clarity. For instance, "local knowledge of the Amazon rainforest" is more informative than simply "local knowledge".

Common error

Avoid assuming that mentioning "local knowledge" automatically adds credibility. Always provide specific examples or sources to support claims based on it to prevent appearing vague or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "local knowledge" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the understanding and information held by people who are familiar with a particular place or community. As Ludwig indicates, this knowledge is invaluable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "local knowledge" is a common and grammatically sound expression that refers to the understanding and information specific to a particular place or community. As confirmed by Ludwig, it plays a crucial role in various contexts, including news reporting, academic research, and scientific studies. This suggests its widespread acceptance and relevance across diverse fields. It’s important to specify the subject when using this phrase and provide examples when it is referenced. Its frequent use in News & Media and Academia underscores its importance in both disseminating information and conducting research. Therefore, users should prioritize specificity and context to make the best use of the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

native insight

Highlights that the insight is coming from someone born or raised in that area.

community expertise

Focuses on the expertise held within a community, rather than just knowledge.

insider's perspective

Suggests a view from someone within the local setting.

area-specific understanding

Emphasizes the understanding being specific to a geographic area.

regional awareness

Focuses on being aware of regional issues and characteristics.

grassroots intelligence

Highlights the bottom-up nature of the information and its source within the community.

place-based wisdom

Emphasizes the wisdom that comes from living in a specific place.

contextual familiarity

Emphasizes being familiar with the context of the area, not just raw data.

situational awareness

Emphasizes awareness of the current events and situations in the locale.

geographic literacy

Highlights being literate or knowledgeable of the geography of the area.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "local knowledge" in a sentence?

To effectively use "local knowledge", provide context by specifying the area or topic. For example, instead of saying "We need local knowledge", try "We need "local knowledge" of the city's infrastructure to proceed with the project".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "community expertise", "area-specific understanding", or "grassroots intelligence".

Why is "local knowledge" important?

"Local knowledge" is valuable because it provides insights and understanding that are often not available through general sources. It's crucial for making informed decisions that are tailored to a specific area or community.

In what situations is "local knowledge" most critical?

"Local knowledge" is especially critical in situations involving community development, environmental conservation, and disaster preparedness, where understanding specific local conditions and needs is essential for effective solutions.