thorough knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"thorough knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone or something possessing a full understanding of a particular topic. For example: "The professor had a thorough knowledge of the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His "thorough knowledge of government policy was prodigious.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Lewis's thorough knowledge of the court's work changed that.

The New York Times

I started out with certain advantages, including fluent Spanish and a thorough knowledge of the terrain.

The New York Times - Travel

Jackson, who had a thorough knowledge of the movie musical, revered Fred Astaire.

The New Yorker

He possessed a thorough knowledge of its composers, its repertoire, and its performers.

The New York Times

She was born in Hawaii where she picked up a thorough knowledge of Indian cooking.

The New Yorker

Know-how Demonstrates a thorough Know-how Demonstrates selling and markethorough

Harvard Business Review

His thorough knowledge of Graham and Nijinsky's writing and careers contributes to several powerful soliloquies.

The New York Times - Arts

It was there that he finally acquired a thorough knowledge of the classical repertory.

The New York Times - Arts

He has taste, and, what is more, a most thorough knowledge of composition.

Britannica

He had a prodigious memory and thorough knowledge of current and former KGB operations.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "thorough knowledge" with specific areas of expertise to add precision and impact. For example, "thorough knowledge of financial regulations" is more effective than simply stating "thorough knowledge."

Common error

Avoid claiming "thorough knowledge" without providing specific examples or evidence. Unsupported claims can undermine credibility. Instead, showcase specific instances where this knowledge was applied effectively.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "thorough knowledge" is to act as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a state of possessing deep and comprehensive understanding, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

28%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorough knowledge" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively conveys a deep and comprehensive understanding of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's crucial to support claims of "thorough knowledge" with specific examples to maintain credibility. When aiming for semantic variation, consider alternatives like "deep understanding" or "extensive expertise" for nuanced expressions. Understanding its appropriate usage, as outlined in this guide, can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep understanding

Focuses on the depth of comprehension rather than the breadth of information.

extensive expertise

Emphasizes the practical skills and experience gained over time.

comprehensive grasp

Highlights the ability to understand and handle all aspects of a subject.

profound insight

Suggests a deeper level of understanding, often involving intuition and perception.

complete mastery

Indicates a very high level of skill and control.

intimate familiarity

Conveys a close and personal understanding, often gained through experience.

detailed acquaintance

Highlights the depth of knowledge about specific facts and details.

well-versed in

Describes someone who is highly knowledgeable and skilled.

expert command

Emphasizes the ability to skillfully use and apply knowledge.

substantial background

Focuses on accumulated knowledge and experience as a foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "thorough knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "thorough knowledge" to describe someone's expertise in a particular field. For example, "The surgeon's "thorough knowledge" of anatomy was essential for the successful operation."

What's a good alternative to "thorough knowledge"?

Alternatives to "thorough knowledge" include "deep understanding", "extensive expertise", or "comprehensive grasp", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "thorough knowledge about" or "thorough knowledge of"?

"Thorough knowledge of" is generally preferred because it is more grammatically correct and idiomatic. For example, "She has a "thorough knowledge" of history" is better than "She has a thorough knowledge about history."

How does "thorough knowledge" differ from "basic knowledge"?

"Thorough knowledge" implies a deep and comprehensive understanding of a subject, while "basic knowledge" suggests only a fundamental or introductory understanding. For instance, having a "thorough knowledge" of physics allows you to solve complex problems, whereas a basic knowledge only lets you understand simple concepts.