personal knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or understanding that an individual has acquired through their own experiences or education. Example: "In my personal knowledge, the best way to learn a new language is through immersion and practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This step will depend on your personal knowledge of this person.

WikiHow

To my certain personal knowledge this statement is untrue.

The New Yorker

I have no personal knowledge of Chillblast, and I have never used one of their PCs.

The Guardian - Tech

He had a vast personal knowledge of insects and was pretty good on plants too.

The Guardian

"You need personal knowledge," said Kevin J. Kennedy, executive director of the Wisconsin State Elections Board.

The New York Times

The extent of Brooks's personal knowledge, if any, is not clear.

The Guardian

I now have personal knowledge of the folly of the second.

The New York Times

Ballagh said: "Jim's personal knowledge of Francis Crick was invaluable to me in creating the painting.

The Guardian

"A few respondents have indicated personal knowledge of mass executions and gravesites".

The New York Times

Dr. Rosser, the Manhattan surgeon, has personal knowledge of both obesity and bariatric care.

The New York Times

The public assumed that Puzo had written about the Mafia from personal knowledge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the source of information, clarify whether your statement is based on "personal knowledge" or external sources to enhance credibility.

Common error

While "personal knowledge" can be valuable, ensure it is supplemented with objective evidence when making claims, particularly in formal or academic contexts. Relying solely on personal experience can lead to biased conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal knowledge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates the scope and basis of an individual's understanding or testimony, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples and confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal knowledge" is a noun phrase denoting information derived from direct experience or observation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and legal domains. While valuable, it's essential to balance "personal knowledge" with objective evidence to avoid bias and ensure credibility. Remember to be clear about when you are relying on "personal knowledge" to provide context for your statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Individual understanding

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of knowing something oneself.

Firsthand experience

Emphasizes the direct, lived involvement in an event or situation.

Direct awareness

Highlights the unmediated perception of something.

Subjective knowledge

Points to knowledge based on personal feelings and opinions.

Empirical understanding

Refers to knowledge gained through observation or experiment.

Practical insight

Highlights knowledge derived from real-world application.

Experiential learning

Emphasizes knowledge acquired through doing.

Personal acquaintance

Refers to a familiarity with something or someone developed through personal contact.

Insider information

Denotes knowledge available only to those within a specific group or context.

Intuitive grasp

Focuses on immediate understanding without conscious reasoning.

FAQs

How is "personal knowledge" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "personal knowledge" refers to facts a witness directly perceived, which they can testify about under oath. It excludes hearsay or speculation.

What are some synonyms for "personal knowledge"?

Alternatives include "individual understanding", "firsthand experience", or "direct awareness", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "personal knowledge" in writing?

Use "personal knowledge" when you are referring to information you have gained through your own direct experiences, observations, or studies, especially when it provides a unique perspective.

How does "personal knowledge" differ from 'common knowledge'?

"Personal knowledge" is unique to an individual's experiences, while 'common knowledge' refers to facts widely known and accepted, such as historical dates or basic scientific principles.