modest knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person's limited knowledge or experience in a certain area. For example, "He has a modest knowledge of Spanish, but he is still learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I have only a modest knowledge" of the fund, he said, noting it had only one meeting".

The New York Times

Dunn grew up culturally bereft in the nineteen-eighties, but parlayed a modest knowledge of pop music into a job at Rolling Stone.

The New Yorker

He insisted, to an audience with modest knowledge of western intellectual life, that Mr Kundera's works "are of great human and spiritual value".

The Economist

Those who do decide to transact through a website of their own design need to be aware of the simplest form of attack, which someone with only modest knowledge can use to steal customer data.

The Guardian

His handwriting and modest knowledge of English matched those of the letter, although it was impossible to know for sure whether there were perhaps other letter writers, one of whose messages might have reached Oregon.

The New York Times

We also need the following interesting identity, which is new to our modest knowledge.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Predefined molecular fragments are stored in separate files and users with modest computer knowledge can easily add additional fragments or modify the existent ones.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Mr. Zmoda's team relied on more modest scouting and knowledge of bird habitats from World Series past.

The New York Times

It's true that the advertising campaigns for "Win It All" and "Tramps" have been, to the best of my knowledge, modest.

The New Yorker

Having a modest background, a knowledge of hardship or a kinship with the so-called common man doesn't correlate with competence.

The New York Times

In summary, we demonstrated a modest improvement in knowledge and skills in PEC after two years of skills-based supervision.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modest knowledge", specify the subject area to provide context. For example, "He has a "modest knowledge" of art history."

Common error

Avoid using "modest knowledge" when the person possesses significant expertise. Use terms like "extensive knowledge" or "deep understanding" instead to accurately reflect their skill level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest knowledge" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where 'modest' modifies the noun 'knowledge'. It describes the extent or degree of knowledge possessed by an individual or about a particular subject. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest knowledge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a limited or basic understanding of a subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is perfectly appropriate in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for various settings. When using "modest knowledge", be specific about the subject area to provide clear context and avoid overstating someone's expertise. Alternatives like "basic familiarity" or "limited understanding" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest acquaintance

Focuses more on familiarity rather than in-depth understanding.

limited understanding

Emphasizes the restricted scope of comprehension.

basic familiarity

Highlights the foundational level of awareness.

elementary grasp

Implies a rudimentary level of comprehension.

superficial awareness

Suggests a surface-level understanding without deeper insight.

slight expertise

Highlights the minor proficiency in a specific area.

rudimentary comprehension

Stresses the initial or underdeveloped stage of understanding.

general overview

Highlights having only a summary level knowledge.

introductory knowledge

Refers to the most basic level of expertise on a topic.

passing familiarity

Highlights only some basic level knowledge, not well established.

FAQs

How can I use "modest knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "modest knowledge" to describe someone's limited understanding of a particular subject. For example, "Despite her "modest knowledge" of physics, she was eager to learn more".

What's a good alternative to "modest knowledge"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "modest knowledge" in a formal setting?

Yes, "modest knowledge" is suitable for formal settings when accurately describing someone's limited expertise. However, ensure the tone remains respectful and not dismissive.

How does "modest knowledge" differ from "extensive knowledge"?

"Modest knowledge" implies a basic or limited understanding, whereas "extensive knowledge" suggests a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of a subject.