real knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a genuine understanding or expertise in a particular subject or area. Example: "To excel in this field, one must have real knowledge of the underlying principles and practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Before this I had no real knowledge of domestic abuse.

The Guardian

'I started with a feeling but no real knowledge of what it was going to be.

The Guardian - Film

Apparently Mr. Tommasini lacked real knowledge of how the new music director, Lorin Maazel, was selected.

The New York Times - Arts

Anyone with any real knowledge of the game would have resigned after our first 10 moves.

The Guardian - Books

Real knowledge – of sex, marriage, perhaps the nature of humanity itself – comes here at Auxerre.

The Guardian - Books

It involves building up real knowledge of the items in your care.

The Guardian

"The bartender of today," he said, "has no more real knowledge of his trade than a smelt.

The New Yorker

"It shows you that his work is backed up with a real knowledge of aesthetics and sculpture".

The New York Times

What I wanted to offer was a real knowledge of two portraits of different sides of the world.

The Economist

A guy whose opinion I really trust who saw him play said he handles the ball well, but he doesn't have a real knowledge of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"My only real knowledge of him was that he was the first black man appointed to the United States Supreme Court," Mr. Fishburne said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "real knowledge of" to indicate a genuine and thorough understanding of a subject, especially when contrasting it with superficial or theoretical knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "real knowledge of" when you only mean a passing familiarity or awareness. Ensure the context implies a deeper, more comprehensive understanding rather than just a surface-level acquaintance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes a significant and authentic comprehension of a specific subject or area, as supported by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "real knowledge of" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies a genuine and thorough understanding. According to Ludwig, it is particularly prevalent in news and media, encyclopedias, and science contexts. While suitable for various registers, it emphasizes a deeper comprehension beyond mere superficial awareness. To avoid misuse, ensure the context warrants a genuine and comprehensive understanding rather than simple familiarity. This analysis is consistent with Ludwig's findings, which confirm the phrase's correctness and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine understanding of

Replaces "real knowledge" with "genuine understanding", emphasizing comprehension.

true expertise in

Substitutes "real knowledge" with "true expertise", highlighting skill and mastery.

deep understanding of

Emphasizes the depth of comprehension rather than just having knowledge.

thorough grasp of

Focuses on having a complete and comprehensive understanding.

intimate familiarity with

Highlights a close and personal understanding of something.

profound insight into

Suggests a deeper level of understanding and perception.

practical experience in

Emphasizes knowledge gained through hands-on involvement.

working knowledge of

Focuses on knowledge that is useful and applicable in a practical setting.

comprehensive awareness of

Stresses a broad and complete understanding of a topic.

detailed acquaintance with

Highlights a close and intricate knowledge of the subject.

FAQs

What does "real knowledge of" mean?

The phrase "real knowledge of" signifies a genuine, thorough, and practical understanding of a particular subject, skill, or area. It suggests more than just theoretical awareness, implying a deeper comprehension and often practical experience.

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

You can use "real knowledge of" to highlight someone's expertise or understanding. For example, "To succeed in this role, you need "genuine understanding of" the market trends".

What are some alternatives to "real knowledge of"?

Some alternatives include "deep understanding of", "true expertise in", or "thorough grasp of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "real knowledge"? Isn't all knowledge real?

While all knowledge aims to be real, using "real knowledge" emphasizes the depth and authenticity of the understanding, contrasting it with superficial, theoretical, or incomplete information. It clarifies that the knowledge is practical and reliable, and similar to saying ""genuine understanding of"".