scientific literacy

USAGE SUMMARY

'scientific literacy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an understanding of scientific concepts, principles and practices. For example, "High schools should focus on developing students' scientific literacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We do need to improve scientific literacy.

The New York Times

What of scientific literacy, that supposed panacea?

The Guardian

Mounting the world's most successful campaign for public scientific literacy?

The New Yorker

At the age of 15, British children score relatively well on reading, mathematical and scientific literacy.

The Guardian

If we're using the metaphor of scientific "literacy", it's "read-only" research.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In a society desperate for scientific literacy among its leaders, that is a terrible shame.

The New Yorker

In the end, the idea of scientific literacy is part of the problem.

The Guardian

Yet both reflect the sorry state of scientific literacy in this country.

The New York Times

When it comes to scientific literacy, this has not been a good year for the Republicans.

The New Yorker

For three-quarters of American conservatives, their ideology prevents them from accepting that reality, regardless of their scientific literacy.

The Guardian

All the survey evidence indicates that levels of scientific literacy are highly resistant to efforts at improvement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the general public, specify the facet of "scientific literacy" you're addressing, such as understanding climate change or evaluating health claims.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "scientific literacy" implies a deep or specialized knowledge of science; it's about having a basic understanding of scientific principles, not conducting original research.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scientific literacy" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes the ability to understand and apply scientific concepts. As shown by Ludwig, it is widely used in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scientific literacy" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to the ability to understand scientific concepts and apply them to real-world situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for formal and scientific contexts. Usage is high in science, news, and business sources. Related phrases include "scientific proficiency" and "understanding of science". To enhance your writing, specify the aspect of "scientific literacy" you're addressing and avoid confusing it with scientific expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scientific proficiency

Focuses on competence and skill in applying scientific knowledge.

scientific comprehension

Emphasizes the understanding and grasping of scientific concepts.

understanding of science

Highlights the general grasp of scientific concepts and principles.

scientific education

Highlights formal learning and training in science.

grasp of scientific principles

Emphasizes the understanding of fundamental scientific ideas.

scientific knowledge

Stresses the factual information and awareness in science.

competence in science

Focuses on having the necessary abilities to perform scientific tasks.

scientific awareness

Highlights being conscious and informed about scientific matters.

familiarity with scientific concepts

Indicates a level of acquaintance and understanding of science.

scientific reasoning ability

Focuses on skills related to thinking scientifically and logically.

FAQs

How is "scientific literacy" used in a sentence?

You can use "scientific literacy" to discuss someone's understanding of scientific concepts. For example: "Improving "scientific literacy" is crucial for making informed decisions about health and the environment."

What is an alternative to "scientific literacy"?

Alternatives include "scientific proficiency", "scientific comprehension", or "understanding of science". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of knowledge and skill. You can read more about "understanding of science".

Why is "scientific literacy" important?

"Scientific literacy" enables individuals to critically evaluate scientific information presented in the media and make informed decisions about their health, environment, and technology. It's crucial for participating in evidence-based discussions and policy-making.

Is "scientific literacy" the same as being a scientist?

No, "scientific literacy" refers to a general understanding of scientific concepts and processes, whereas being a scientist involves specialized training and conducting original research. "Scientific literacy" is about being informed, not necessarily being an expert.