vast knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast knowledge of" is perfectly suitable for use in written English.
You could use this phrase when talking about a person's in-depth understanding of a specific subject. For example, "She had a vast knowledge of American history, which she used to educate her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Elves are well educated, smart, and have a vast knowledge of various things and workings of the world.

WikiHow

He had a vast knowledge of Russian theatre.

The Guardian

His vast knowledge of the industry was recognized and acknowledged by those whose lives he touched.

The New York Times

That is his greatest asset apart from his vast knowledge of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. McNae said Mr. Hemingway's vast knowledge of fishing and sheer energy on expeditions astounded him.

The New York Times

She loved literature, art and antiques, acquiring vast knowledge of European porcelain and silver.

The New York Times

He is well remembered for excellence in linguistics and his vast knowledge of history.

The New York Times

He impressed them with his insight, passion and vast knowledge of baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

The Navy also commands explosives experts who have vast knowledge of underwater demolitions.

The New York Times

A revered teacher, generations of students benefited from her vast knowledge of anatomy and her enthusiastic teaching style.

The New York Times

The most obvious change in him is in that vast knowledge of film he has that just increases over time.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vast knowledge of", ensure the subject's expertise is genuinely extensive, not merely a superficial understanding. Providing specific examples can reinforce the claim of vastness.

Common error

Avoid using "vast knowledge of" when the context suggests only a moderate understanding. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Use more moderate terms, if required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast knowledge of" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that describes the extent or depth of someone's understanding of a particular subject. Ludwig's examples show it is used to emphasize expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

16%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vast knowledge of" is a phrase used to describe an extensive and in-depth understanding of a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While "vast knowledge of" is widely accepted and utilized, it is essential to use it accurately and avoid overstating someone's expertise. Alternatives such as "extensive understanding of" or "broad expertise in" can be used to add nuance. Remember to provide specific examples to support claims of "vast knowledge", enhancing credibility. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reinforces its value as a descriptor of genuine expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive understanding of

Replaces "knowledge" with "understanding" and "vast" with "extensive", emphasizing comprehension.

broad expertise in

Substitutes "knowledge" with "expertise" and "vast" with "broad", focusing on skill and experience.

considerable command of

Uses "command" instead of "knowledge" and "considerable" for "vast", highlighting mastery.

deep familiarity with

Replaces "knowledge" with "familiarity" and "vast" with "deep", indicating close acquaintance.

comprehensive grasp of

Employs "grasp" instead of "knowledge" and "comprehensive" for "vast", emphasizing thorough understanding.

substantial insight into

Substitutes "knowledge" with "insight" and "vast" with "substantial", focusing on understanding underlying truths.

immense awareness of

Replaces "knowledge" with "awareness" and "vast" with "immense", highlighting broad consciousness.

profound acquaintance with

Uses "acquaintance" instead of "knowledge" and "profound" for "vast", indicating deep personal experience.

remarkable proficiency in

Substitutes "knowledge" with "proficiency" and "vast" with "remarkable", focusing on skill and competence.

wide-ranging erudition on

Replaces "knowledge" with "erudition" and "vast" with "wide-ranging", highlighting extensive learning.

FAQs

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

You can use "vast knowledge of" to describe someone's in-depth understanding of a particular subject. For example, "The professor possessed a "vast knowledge of" ancient history."

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

Alternatives include "extensive understanding of", "broad expertise in", or "considerable command of", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "vast knowledge of" in formal writing?

Yes, "vast knowledge of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing someone's expertise in academic, professional, or scientific contexts. However, ensure that the claim of vastness is justified.

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

"Vast knowledge of" implies an extensive and in-depth understanding, while "basic knowledge of" suggests only a fundamental awareness. The former is appropriate for experts, while the latter is for beginners.