minimal knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

"minimal knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone having a small amount of information about something. For example, "He had minimal knowledge of the inner workings of the company, so he was not able to help with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

That might require some minimal knowledge of how to put out fires.

The New York Times

"After mild career panic, I thought I needed a vocation, and decided – with minimal knowledge of what it really entailed – that teaching would be it," Palin explains.

The Guardian

In Tottenham's case, Levy's problem is the same one that afflicts a lot of people in his position, namely relying on their own judgment when they have only minimal knowledge of the relevant field.

The Guardian - Sport

As everyone with even minimal knowledge of how firearms work and how firefights happen has tried to explain to him including those firmly on the Murdoch right this is a loony fantasy.

The New Yorker

We regularly see high-achieving A-level students who have only a minimal knowledge of the country or countries where the language of study is spoken, or who have limited understanding of how the language works.

The Guardian

In addition, the minimal knowledge of process designers regarding inherent safety hazards can exacerbate this problem.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

They made "Minimal Knowledge" for $200,000.

The New York Times

In other words, only minimal knowledge was available of the products of my work.

Vice

A minimal knowledge exchange consists of just a K1 role, without a K2 demand.

Functional Linguistics

I will then enter your studio and record a band with the same minimal knowledge you have of skateboarding, since it has nothing to do with punk rock.

Vice

In addition to minimal knowledge and understanding of CHI by providers and policy implementers, studies have indicated that poor knowledge and understanding on the part of the schemes beneficiaries is also a contributing factor to low enrollment in Uganda [ 10, 13].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minimal knowledge of" to clearly indicate a limited understanding, avoiding exaggeration or understatement. This phrase is particularly effective when contrasting a person's understanding with the complexity of a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "minimal knowledge of" when complete ignorance is implied. Instead, use terms like "lack of knowledge" or "complete unfamiliarity" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimal knowledge of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating a limited degree of understanding or awareness regarding a particular subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minimal knowledge of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a limited understanding or awareness of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's found frequently in scientific and news contexts. When writing, it's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring that it reflects some level of understanding rather than complete ignorance. Alternatives like "basic understanding of" or "limited awareness of" can be used to add nuance. Overall, mastering the use of "minimal knowledge of" enhances clarity and precision in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic understanding of

Focuses on possessing a rudimentary level of comprehension.

limited awareness of

Highlights a restricted or incomplete perception.

rudimentary knowledge of

Emphasizes a fundamental and elementary level of information.

superficial grasp of

Implies a shallow or surface-level understanding.

passing acquaintance with

Suggests a brief and non-detailed familiarity.

slight familiarity with

Indicates a minor or insubstantial level of recognition.

small amount of information about

Directly quantifies the limited information held.

scant understanding of

Stresses the scarcity or insufficiency of comprehension.

restricted expertise in

Highlights the limited skill or proficiency in a particular area.

general notion of

Suggests a vague or imprecise idea about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "minimal knowledge of" to indicate that someone has a limited understanding of a subject. For example, "Despite his "minimal knowledge of" astrophysics, he attempted to explain black holes to the class."

What are some alternatives to "minimal knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "basic understanding of", "limited awareness of", or "rudimentary knowledge of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "minimal knowledge of" in formal writing?

Yes, "minimal knowledge of" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to express a limited understanding. Its usage is widespread across academic and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "minimal knowledge of" and "lack of knowledge of"?

"Minimal knowledge of" implies some level of understanding, however small, while "lack of knowledge of" suggests a complete absence of understanding. Use "minimal knowledge of" when some familiarity exists, and "lack of knowledge of" when there is none.