passing knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

'passing knowledge' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the imparting of knowledge, information, or wisdom from one person to another, either informally or formally. For example: "He was an expert in his field, and eagerly shared his knowledge with others by passing knowledge on to the next generation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Selmon said he had only passing knowledge of the problems.

The New York Times - Sports

For anyone with passing knowledge of the Bay Area, Telegraph Avenuee" signifies "Cal Berkeley".

The New Yorker

He has more than a passing knowledge of how important the sport is on campus.

The New York Times

Those with a passing knowledge of German wines aren't fooled by this evasion.

The New York Times - Food

Anyone with a passing knowledge of the nomenclature will identify the setting more precisely.

The Guardian - Books

'Most Australians have at least a passing knowledge of John Simpson Kirkpatrick and his donkey.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It's the responsibility of the older generation to pass knowledge down.

The New York Times - Sports

People nearer the missions were more likely to pass knowledge from generation to generation.

The Washington Post

Teaching tours are undertaken to pass knowledge from the visitor to the plant being toured.

Harvard Business Review

The White House remained defiant, insisting that Mr. Hussein still could have passed knowledge about illicit weapons to terrorist groups.

The New York Times

We've wrongly believed that our value comes from our knowledge rather than our ability to pass knowledge to investors.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passing knowledge" to indicate a basic or superficial understanding of a subject, suitable when detailed expertise is not required. This works well in informal settings where precision isn't critical.

Common error

Avoid using "passing knowledge" when describing someone with deep or specialized expertise. This phrase suggests a surface-level understanding, which can misrepresent the individual's actual skill or knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe the extent of someone's understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passing knowledge" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a basic or superficial understanding of a subject. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid using it when describing expertise, as this can be misrepresentative. Alternative phrases like "basic understanding" or "general familiarity" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic understanding

Focuses on the level of comprehension rather than the act of conveying information.

general familiarity

Emphasizes being acquainted but not necessarily deeply knowledgeable.

superficial awareness

Highlights the limited depth of understanding.

slight comprehension

Highlights the minimal level of understanding.

rudimentary grasp

Suggests a very basic and initial level of comprehension.

limited insight

Underscores the restricted nature of the understanding.

introductory understanding

Focuses on the initial stages of learning and knowledge acquisition.

cursory acquaintance

Implies a brief and not very thorough exposure.

broad overview

Indicates a general understanding without specific details.

nodding acquaintance

Indicates a very slight or superficial level of knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "passing knowledge" to indicate a basic or superficial understanding of a topic, such as: "Anyone with a passing knowledge of history would understand the context."

What's the difference between "passing knowledge" and "deep understanding"?

"Passing knowledge" refers to a superficial or basic awareness, while "deep understanding" indicates a thorough and comprehensive comprehension. The former is introductory; the latter, advanced.

What can I say instead of "passing knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "basic understanding", "general familiarity", or "superficial awareness" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "passing knowledge"?

It's appropriate when describing someone's acquaintance with a subject that doesn't require extensive expertise or in situations where a general understanding is sufficient.