thorough knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a deep understanding or comprehensive awareness of a particular subject or topic. Example: "To excel in this role, you must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the industry standards and practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 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

Goldman had a thorough knowledge of the CELF assets and knew all the original investors.

The New York Times

"You need a thorough knowledge of the subject, you need inspiration from the heart, and you need highly developed technique.

The New York Times - Arts

There aren't many like him with a thorough knowledge of physics and the ability to put it into historical context".

The New York Times

A thorough knowledge of orchestral repertoire will help you be taken seriously by musicians and other artistic leads.

The Guardian

His dog portraiture is not sentimental; it shows a thorough knowledge of anatomy and an understanding of dogs.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thorough knowledge of", specify the subject or area of expertise to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "thorough knowledge of" when describing basic understanding. Reserve it for situations where demonstrable expertise is present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the extent and depth of one's understanding or expertise in a specific area. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorough knowledge of" is a phrase used to express a deep and comprehensive understanding of a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It commonly appears in formal writing contexts, such as science, news media, and encyclopedias, where expertise and competence are emphasized. While there are other valid alternatives such as "comprehensive understanding of", the best option will depend on the specific context and desired emphasis. Ensure you use the correct preposition ("of" not "on") and avoid overstating expertise when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive understanding of

Replaces "knowledge" with "understanding" and "thorough" with "comprehensive", emphasizing a deep and complete grasp.

extensive expertise in

Shifts the focus from general knowledge to specialized skill or proficiency.

profound insight into

Highlights a deep level of understanding and perception.

intimate familiarity with

Emphasizes close and personal acquaintance with a subject.

deep-seated knowledge of

Conveys a sense of deeply ingrained and well-established understanding.

substantial command of

Focuses on having a strong and authoritative grasp of a subject.

complete mastery of

Implies a high level of skill and control over a particular area.

well-versed in

Indicates a good level of knowledge and experience in a particular field.

detailed acquaintance with

Highlights familiarity with specific details and nuances of a subject.

considerable awareness of

Emphasizes a significant level of consciousness and understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorough knowledge of" to describe someone's expertise in a particular field. For example, "The project requires a "thorough knowledge of" data analysis."

What's the difference between "thorough knowledge of" and "basic understanding of"?

"Thorough knowledge of" implies a deep, comprehensive understanding, while "basic understanding of" suggests a general, introductory level of familiarity.

What can I say instead of "thorough knowledge of"?

You can use alternatives like "comprehensive understanding of", "extensive expertise in", or "profound insight into" depending on the context.

Is "thorough knowledge on" grammatically correct?

No, the correct preposition to use with "thorough knowledge" is "of". It should be "thorough knowledge of", not "thorough knowledge on".