minute knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minute knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone's extensive knowledge on a particular topic. For example, "He had a minute knowledge of French grammar which enabled him to understand even the most complex sentence structures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"The extraordinary thing with Tom is he has such a minute knowledge of every single piece of information," he says in an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip.

Independent

When Mr Cusick's local museum asked for help with an exhibition celebrating the bicentenary of the world's first rifle regiment, which mustered in Horsham in 1800, he offered minute knowledge of the sharpshooters' uniforms, training and barracks, based on decades of his private scholarly research.

The Economist

According to Anders Aslund, an economist at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, DC, and author of a book on Ukraine, this 70,000-strong organisation "was considered massively corrupt and became a major impediment to business".Yet Mr Azarov is also seen as a solid manager and a safe pair of hands, with a minute knowledge of Ukraine's public finances.

The Economist

They had meant well enough, the parliamentarians concluded, but even the most minute knowledge of the British economy, "combined with the profound science in all the principles of money and circulation," would not enable anyone to circulate the exact amount of money needed for "the wants of trade".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As such, it tends to pull in some interesting names for interviews (such as visiting musicians Bomba Estereo and Bajofondo), but more important for visitors is the up-the-minute knowledge of the extensive troup of contributors.

The Guardian - Travel

Up-to-the-minute knowledge of status is essential to effective response when difficulties such as the breakdown of a machine, the shortage of required materials or components, or the absence of important employees occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

NSF officials have long argued that rotators are important to the agency's success, because they bring up-to-the-minute knowledge of their fields.

Science Magazine

For to-the-minute knowledge of the situation, try downloading the SOAR app, which gives the turbulence forecast.

Huffington Post

She reads Metro on the way to work, so Tom and Matt join forces to patronise her about her lamentable lack of up-to-the-minute knowledge.

The Guardian - Money

Kessler said someone from the Indian delegation invited a man to the dinner at the last minute, without the knowledge of the White House.

The Guardian

John Ruskin, an only child, was largely educated at home, where he was given a taste for art by his father's collecting of contemporary watercolours and a minute and comprehensive knowledge of the Bible by his piously Protestant mother.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minute knowledge of" when you want to emphasize not just knowledge, but a very detailed and thorough understanding of something. It is suitable for describing expertise or deep familiarity.

Common error

Don't use "minute knowledge of" when you simply mean a general understanding or awareness. The phrase implies a level of detail that may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minute knowledge of" functions as a descriptive phrase, where the adjective "minute" modifies the noun "knowledge", indicating a high level of detail and thoroughness. Ludwig shows the phrase is used to characterize someone's understanding of a subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minute knowledge of" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes a very detailed and thorough understanding of a subject. Ludwig's AI affirms its correct usage. While not extremely frequent, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, use it to highlight expertise, keeping in mind it implies a higher level of detail than simply 'detailed knowledge'. Alternatives like "comprehensive understanding of" or "thorough grasp of" may be more suitable in contexts where less emphasis on fine detail is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive understanding of

Focuses on the breadth and depth of knowledge.

encyclopedic knowledge of

Suggests a broad and comprehensive range of knowledge.

extensive familiarity with

Emphasizes a deep and broad understanding developed over time.

thorough grasp of

Highlights a complete and detailed understanding.

in-depth expertise in

Implies specialized and detailed knowledge.

detailed awareness of

Highlights a meticulous and thorough understanding.

profound insight into

Suggests a deep and insightful understanding.

intimate acquaintance with

Implies a close and personal familiarity.

complete mastery of

Indicates exceptional skill and understanding.

masterful command of

Denotes exceptional control and knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "minute knowledge of" to describe someone's expertise in a particular subject, like: "The historian possessed a minute knowledge of ancient Roman politics."

What does "minute" mean in "minute knowledge of"?

In this context, "minute" refers to detailed and precise knowledge, not a small amount of knowledge. It emphasizes the thoroughness and depth of understanding.

What are some alternatives to "minute knowledge of"?

Alternatives include "comprehensive understanding of", "thorough grasp of", or "extensive familiarity with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "detailed knowledge of" or "minute knowledge of"?

Both phrases are acceptable. "Minute knowledge of" emphasizes a finer level of detail and thoroughness compared to just "detailed knowledge of".