variety of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"variety of knowledge" is a perfectly fine and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time to refer to a range of knowledge covering various topics or fields of study. For example, "Gaining a variety of knowledge is important for anyone wanting to become a well-rounded and informed individual."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

A truly great person should be someone who has not only amassed a wide variety of knowledge, but also a variety of real life experiences.

The New York Times

If you find some stuff about crumbling plaster, you certainly want to take a few minutes and follow the whole conversation through and get the benefit of a variety of knowledge".

The New York Times

The sheer volume and variety of knowledge exchange activity and the array of beneficiaries of arts and humanities research has been signalled in a number of reports and it is therefore no surprise that AHRC funded research outputs were submitted to 28 of the 36 units of assessment across all four main panels of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.

The Guardian

However, as noted above, Aristotle is defining a special variety of knowledge.

SEP

More variety of knowledge is required that would relate aspects to their respective products.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

A task analysis illustrated the variety of knowledge resources in CAD performance.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Using Protégé, developers and domain experts can easily build effective knowledge-based systems, and researchers can explore ideas in a variety of knowledge-based domains.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

The force field consists of a variety of knowledge-based statistical potentials from PDB and the side-chain contact restraints predicted by PROSPECTOR_3 [ 9].

BMC Biology

It is a novel unashamed by many varieties of knowledge — its characters talk, brilliantly, about mathematics, philosophy, exile and immigration, warfare, Wall Street and financial trading, contemporary geopolitics, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, English and American society, Islamic terrorism, Western paternalism, Oxford and Yale.

The New Yorker

New varieties of knowledge can help with more useful insights.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

In 'Three Varieties of Knowledge', Davidson develops the metaphor of triangulation into the idea of a three-way conceptual interdependence between knowledge of oneself, knowledge of others and knowledge of the world.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "variety of knowledge" to indicate that multiple distinct areas of knowledge are involved, rather than focusing on depth within a single area. For instance, a generalist might have a "variety of knowledge" across different subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "variety of knowledge" to describe a superficial understanding of many subjects. The phrase implies a meaningful grasp, not just a passing acquaintance. Instead, consider "basic knowledge" or "familiarity with" if the depth is limited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "variety of knowledge" functions as a noun phrase and is generally used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes the extent and diversity of one's understanding or information across multiple subjects or disciplines. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Unknown/unmatched sources

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "variety of knowledge" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for expressing diverse and extensive knowledge. It’s most common in scientific and news contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. When writing, remember that this phrase refers to a breadth of understanding across multiple domains rather than deep expertise in a single area. Alternatives like "diverse knowledge base" or "wide range of expertise" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Steer clear of using this phrase if the intention is to communicate a superficial understanding, in which case a more accurate phrase would be "basic knowledge". With these tips in mind, you're well-equipped to wield the phrase "variety of knowledge" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverse knowledge base

Emphasizes the foundation or collection of diverse knowledge.

wide range of expertise

Highlights the breadth and depth of skill and knowledge in a particular area.

assortment of knowledge

Suggests a collection of different types of knowledge.

array of knowledge domains

Focuses on different fields or areas where knowledge is present.

spectrum of understanding

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of knowledge and insight.

multitude of insights

Highlights the numerous and varied pieces of understanding gained.

extensive intellectual capital

Emphasizes the resources represented by accumulated knowledge.

varied body of learning

Focuses on the collective learning and understanding acquired.

collection of disciplines

Highlights different disciplines, and therefore different fields of knowledge.

scope of erudition

Emphasizes the breadth of deep, scholarly knowledge.

FAQs

How can I effectively demonstrate a "variety of knowledge" in a job interview?

Provide specific examples from different fields or experiences that showcase your ability to learn and apply diverse information. Frame your answers to highlight transferable skills and your capacity to connect disparate concepts. For example, you might say something like, "My experience in project management, coupled with my understanding of data analytics, allows me to approach challenges from multiple angles."

What are some fields where a "variety of knowledge" is particularly valuable?

Interdisciplinary fields like consulting, journalism, and strategic planning highly value a "variety of knowledge". These roles often require individuals to synthesize information from various sources and offer comprehensive solutions or insights. A generalist role, by definition, benefits from a broad understanding across different domains.

Is it better to have a "variety of knowledge" or deep expertise in one specific area?

It depends on your career goals and the context. Deep expertise is crucial for specialized roles, such as surgery or rocket science. However, a "variety of knowledge" can be advantageous in leadership positions, innovation-driven roles, or fields that require adaptability and cross-functional collaboration. Each has its own advantages.

What are some alternatives to "variety of knowledge" that emphasize expertise?

If you want to emphasize a high level of skill or expertise, consider alternatives like "broad range of expertise", "extensive knowledge base", or "deep understanding" depending on the context.