Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

tacit knowledge

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"tacit knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a form of knowledge that is shared among members of a certain group, but that is not officially recorded. For example, "Due to their years of experience, the senior workers had a wealth of tacit knowledge that helped them approach their job more efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Strive to make tacit knowledge explicit.

First, the importance placed on tacit knowledge and skills.

News & Media

The Guardian

Its tacit knowledge that you gain through experience," said Dimick.

News & Media

The Guardian

Practical intelligence and tacit knowledge: An ecological view of expertise.

"Tacit knowledge" proposed by Michael Polanyi will first be introduced.

Knowledge can be distinguished into tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge.

Yet there's no clear connection between such tacit knowledge and other forms of knowledge and experience.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It's this issue of: do they have the know-how, the tacit knowledge?

News & Media

The Guardian

Face-to-face contact, even temporary one, helps researchers form personal ties and transfer tacit knowledge.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Tacit knowledge, by contrast, is difficult to articulate in writing and is acquired through personal experience.

Tacit knowledge, on the other hand, is trickier.

News & Media

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project documentation, consider how to capture and share “tacit knowledge” from experienced team members. Mentoring programs, workshops and internal wikis are great place to start.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all valuable knowledge can be codified. "Tacit knowledge" is often difficult to articulate, and attempts to force it into explicit forms can diminish its value.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tacit knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI provides, it refers to knowledge that is difficult to articulate or codify, often gained through experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tacit knowledge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to knowledge difficult to articulate or codify, generally acquired through experience. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is most commonly found in science, news and media, and formal business contexts. To enhance clarity in your writing, consider that alternatives like "implicit understanding" or "experiential knowledge" can offer nuanced perspectives. When using "tacit knowledge", remember that it is distinct from explicit knowledge, which can be readily documented and shared.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "tacit knowledge" in a sentence?

Use "tacit knowledge" to emphasize the importance of practical experience and intuition. For example: "The success of the project depended on the team's collective "practical wisdom" and tacit knowledge."

What's the difference between "tacit knowledge" and explicit knowledge?

"Tacit knowledge" is knowledge that is difficult to write down or formalize, like knowing how to ride a bike. Explicit knowledge is codified knowledge, such as information found in a textbook.

Are there strategies to convert "tacit knowledge" into explicit knowledge?

Yes, strategies like storytelling, knowledge mapping, and communities of practice can help to externalize "tacit knowledge" turning it into explicit knowledge. Creating an open communication culture is also important.

What are some synonyms for "tacit knowledge" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use "implicit understanding", "experiential knowledge", or "know-how" as alternatives to "tacit knowledge".

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: