sum of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"sum of knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the collective body of knowledge on a particular subject or area of study. For example, "The sum of knowledge on ancient history is vast, requiring years of study to explore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

From week to week, Gilbert has fashioned programs that have news value and that add to the sum of knowledge.

The New Yorker

As a result of his collecting he added greatly to the sum of knowledge about the printing of Shakespeare's plays and about 17th-century printing in general.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The entire novel is shadowed by the insight, or fear, or premonition, that postmodernity doesn't lead us forward, but backward to the primitive: that our huge and hard-won sum of knowledge will ultimately prove useless and be lost.

The Guardian - Books

His aides had been pressing for a more lavish welcome than Mr Bush was prepared to give.All this exposure, however, is not adding much to the sum of knowledge about Mr Hu himself.

The Economist

The fish pendant, on Dick's account, began to emit a golden ray of light, and Dick suddenly experienced what he called, with a nod to Plato, anamnesis: the recollection or total recall of the entire sum of knowledge.

The New York Times

His originality lay not so much in any positive contribution to the sum of knowledge as in his insistence on fruitful lines of research and methods of experimental study.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In any case, to argue this is "knowledge censorship" also falsely equates Google with the sum total of knowledge on the Internet.

TechCrunch

In any case, to argue this is "knowledge censorship" also falsely equates Google with the sum total of knowledge on the Internet.

TechCrunch

Distributed knowledge can be seen as the sum of the knowledge in a group; it is sometimes referred to as the potential knowledge of a group, or the joint knowledge they could obtain if they had unlimited means of communication.

Artificial Intelligence

In sum, durability of knowledge and belief change is a centrally important but under-researched aspect of research on science teachers and evolunder-researched aspect

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Each correct response earned one point, whereas any wrong or don't know response attracted no mark and thus the sum score of knowledge was calculated (12 points).

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a field of study or a particular topic, use "sum of knowledge" to emphasize the entirety of what is known, rather than focusing on individual facts or theories. This phrase is effective in contexts where the scope and breadth of understanding are important.

Common error

Avoid using "sum of knowledge" when referring to a limited or incomplete understanding. The phrase implies a comprehensive grasp, so ensure it aligns with the actual scope of information being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sum of knowledge" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It represents a collective entity. As supported by Ludwig AI, it refers to the total amount of information available on a particular subject. This noun phrase often appears in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sum of knowledge" refers to the totality of information known about a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various reputable sources like The Guardian, The New Yorker, and Encyclopedia Britannica, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedic contexts. As a noun phrase, it serves to emphasize the comprehensive understanding of a topic, suggesting a formal or neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the extensive nature of the knowledge being discussed to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

body of knowledge

Focuses on the accumulated information, changing "sum" to "body" for a slightly different emphasis on the collection itself.

total knowledge

Replaces "sum" with "total" to emphasize completeness, maintaining a similar meaning and structure.

accumulated knowledge

Highlights the process of knowledge gathering over time, suggesting gradual increase and development.

store of knowledge

Presents knowledge as a resource or repository, changing the emphasis from addition to storage.

fund of knowledge

Similar to "store of knowledge", this phrase emphasizes abundance and richness in the available information.

collective wisdom

Shifts the focus to the wisdom derived from the knowledge, implying a deeper understanding and insight.

reservoir of information

Uses "reservoir" to highlight the capacity for holding knowledge, emphasizing the potential for drawing upon it.

compendium of knowledge

Suggests a comprehensive and organized collection of information, implying a structured and detailed compilation.

knowledge base

A more technical term referring to a structured set of information, often used in computer science and information management.

understanding of the subject

Focuses on comprehension rather than just the accumulation of information, shifting the emphasis from quantity to depth.

FAQs

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

You can use "sum of knowledge" to refer to the total amount of information on a subject. For example, "The internet provides access to a vast "body of knowledge"."

What are some alternatives to saying "sum of knowledge"?

Alternatives include "total knowledge", "body of knowledge", or "accumulated knowledge", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the concept.

Is it appropriate to use "sum of knowledge" in informal writing?

While "sum of knowledge" is generally appropriate, more informal contexts might benefit from simpler alternatives like "what we know" or "everything known about".

How does "sum of knowledge" differ from "information"?

"Sum of knowledge" implies a structured and comprehensive understanding, whereas "information" refers to individual facts or data points. The "collective wisdom" is the application of that knowledge.