sake of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sake of knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the pursuit or sharing of knowledge for its own benefit or value. Example: "She conducted the research for the sake of knowledge, hoping to contribute to the academic community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

That's not to call university useless, but rather to suggest that it return to what it once was: education for the sake of knowledge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Science for the sake of knowledge was seen as an anachronism: good enough for Newton and Einstein, but useless to the needs of the modern British economy.

The Guardian

At the symposium, researchers said the interest in learning more about chimps was not just a case of knowledge for the sake of knowledge.

The New York Times - Science

Scott was a mythmaker: he was the visionary, the savior of the English character, risking his life for the sake of knowledge.

The New York Times - Arts

As Wotan sacrifices an eye for the sake of knowledge, and is diminished further as the cycle proceeds, so those in public life pay a heavy price for the acquisition and retention of power.

The Guardian - Music

The space race between the US and the Soviet Union was not an affordable luxury undertaken for the sake of knowledge, but intrinsically tied to the military-industrial complex.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

We are not doing this just for the sake of the knowledge.

The New York Times

The expectation has shifted from science for the sake of human knowledge to science to meet societal needs.

The Guardian

To compound all that, we tend to seek out information not for the sake of gaining knowledge for its own sake, but to support our already-established viewpoints.

The Guardian

First off, it helps reinforce a joy in learning purely for the sake of increased knowledge.

Huffington Post

And verily it is a sentient space, thinking all thoughts, accepting the accursed blessing of omniscience for the sake of total knowledge of The Self".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sake of knowledge" to emphasize that the pursuit of knowledge is valuable in itself, not just for practical applications.

Common error

Avoid implying that knowledge must always have immediate practical benefits. The phrase "sake of knowledge" emphasizes intrinsic value, so ensure the context supports this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sake of knowledge" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the purpose or motivation behind an action. It clarifies that the action is performed for the intrinsic value of knowledge itself, rather than for any practical benefit. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase emphasizes the pursuit or sharing of knowledge for its own benefit or value.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sake of knowledge" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize that knowledge is pursued for its own inherent value, not merely for practical applications. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its appropriate usage across academia, news, and scientific contexts. While synonyms like "love of learning" or "pursuit of understanding" exist, "sake of knowledge" distinctly highlights intrinsic worth. When employing this phrase, ensure that the surrounding context supports this emphasis, avoiding any implication that immediate practical benefits are essential. Top sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times exemplify its authoritative usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valuing knowledge intrinsically

Highlights the importance of knowledge as inherently valuable.

driven by intellectual exploration

Emphasizes the active exploration, research and discovery aspect.

to advance knowledge

Focuses on progressing the overall body of knowledge.

in the interest of discovery

Emphasizes the exploratory aspect of gaining knowledge.

in pursuit of understanding

Highlights the active quest for deeper comprehension.

for the benefit of wisdom

Highlights wisdom as the intended result of gaining knowledge.

for the love of learning

Emphasizes enjoyment and passion in acquiring knowledge.

motivated by a thirst for knowledge

Focuses on intense desire and passion for new insights.

for intellectual curiosity

Stresses the role of curiosity as a driver for learning.

with the aim of enlightenment

Connects knowledge to a higher purpose of understanding and wisdom.

FAQs

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

Use "sake of knowledge" to describe actions or research done for the purpose of expanding understanding, rather than for a specific outcome. For instance, "The research was conducted purely for the "sake of knowledge"".

What is an alternative to the phrase "sake of knowledge"?

Alternatives include "love of learning", "pursuit of understanding", or valuing knowledge intrinsically.

Is it better to pursue knowledge for its own sake or for practical application?

Neither approach is inherently superior. The "sake of knowledge" focuses on expanding understanding and intellectual growth, while practical application seeks to solve specific problems. Both are valuable, but serve different purposes.

In what context should I use "sake of knowledge"?

Use "sake of knowledge" in academic, scientific, or philosophical contexts where the intrinsic value of learning and discovery is emphasized. It's suitable when discussing pure research or intellectual pursuits that are not necessarily tied to immediate practical outcomes.