modicum of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modicum of knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or limited amount of knowledge on a particular subject. Example: "To succeed in this field, you need at least a modicum of knowledge about the industry standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

However, he asks, "Is it an Arab name from the Koran or purely a Somali name?" James intends to impress Ahmed; he wants the young man to know that he has a modicum of knowledge about his traditions.

The New Yorker

But it seems he could have just as easily come out and acted contrite, taken some responsibility for BP's actions, and conveyed at least a modicum of knowledge about his company's activities.

The Economist

He could have stopped there and demonstrated a modicum of knowledge re the Jewish calendar and the fact that Passover was indeed approaching.

Huffington Post

And as anyone with a modicum of knowledge about the region might have predicted, it sparked a wave of protests across the world resulting in many injuries and at least four reported deaths in Palestine.

Vice

To be sure, BBIs represent a slight improvement over hypothetical queries such as "Where do you see yourself in five years?" or the laughable, "What's your biggest weakness?" Anyone with a modicum of knowledge on the subject, however, knows that it's easy to game BBIs.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Readers with a modicum of technical knowledge may find themselves tripping over some of his turns of phrase.

The Economist

"The single-bullet theory employed by the R.I.A.A. has always been considered by anyone with even a modicum of economic knowledge to be pretty ambitious as spin," said Joe Fleischer, the head of sales and marketing for BigChampagne, a company that tracks music downloads and is used by some record companies to measure the popularity of songs for marketing purposes.

The New York Times

Last week saw the revelation that the Apple iPhone keeps track of where its owner has been and that it stores the data in unencrypted form on the phone, where it can be easily read by anyone with a modicum of technical knowledge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anyone with a modicum of technical knowledge will find this explanation of how the internet and web work truly wrongheaded and entirely incorrect.

TechCrunch

Mark Smith, CEO of the IT research firm Ventana Research, says new tools that allow application assembly and configuration without coding make it possible for business people with only a modicum of technical knowledge to take direct control of their IT systems.

Forbes

You do bet, with a modicum of alleged knowledge.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modicum of knowledge" when you want to emphasize that someone has a small, but perhaps sufficient, amount of knowledge for a particular purpose. It's more nuanced than simply saying 'little knowledge'.

Common error

While "modicum" implies a small quantity, it's easy to misinterpret it as meaning a large or maximum amount. Always double-check your usage to ensure you're conveying the intended meaning of a small or limited quantity of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes the extent of someone's understanding or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modicum of knowledge" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small or limited amount of understanding on a subject. Ludwig AI analysis indicates the phrase is mostly found in News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While the phrase is valid and understandable, alternatives like "basic understanding" or "limited awareness" may be suitable depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "modicum of knowledge" when you want to emphasize that someone's understanding is just enough, but not extensive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small degree of knowledge

Directly quantifies the amount of knowledge as small, emphasizing the limited scope.

basic understanding

Refers to a fundamental level of comprehension, suggesting less depth than "modicum of knowledge".

smattering of knowledge

Implies a collection of bits and pieces of knowledge, rather than a comprehensive understanding.

limited awareness

Highlights the restricted scope of understanding, focusing on the lack of extensive knowledge.

rudimentary grasp

Emphasizes the elementary nature of the understanding, suggesting a beginning level of knowledge.

elemental knowledge

Focuses on the fundamental or basic aspects of knowledge, suggesting simplicity and lack of complexity.

slight familiarity

Indicates a superficial level of acquaintance with a subject, implying minimal knowledge.

passing acquaintance

Suggests a casual and not very detailed knowledge, implying a lack of deep understanding.

superficial knowledge

Highlights the lack of depth and thoroughness in understanding a topic.

incipient knowledge

Refers to the early stages of acquiring knowledge, suggesting that it is just beginning to develop.

FAQs

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

You can use "modicum of knowledge" to indicate that someone possesses a small or limited amount of knowledge about a particular subject. For example, "To understand this concept, you need at least a "modicum of knowledge" about quantum physics."

What's a good alternative to "modicum of knowledge"?

Alternatives to "modicum of knowledge" include phrases like "basic understanding", "limited awareness", or "slight familiarity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a modicum of knowledge" or "some knowledge"?

"A modicum of knowledge" suggests a smaller amount and a more formal tone than "some knowledge". "Some knowledge" is more general and can imply a larger quantity. The choice depends on the level of precision and formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "modicum of knowledge"?

The phrase "modicum of knowledge" is appropriate when you want to downplay the amount of knowledge someone has, often implying that it's just enough for a specific purpose or that it's not very extensive. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.