widespread knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widespread knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a particular piece of information or understanding is common or prevalent among a large group of people. Example: "The widespread knowledge of climate change has led to increased public awareness and action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It alleged widespread knowledge of hacking at the NOTW, which contradicts his evidence to MPs.

Independent

But do me a favor, keep it under your hat as widespread knowledge of its quality might surely harm it.

The New York Times

Economic development, the internet, widespread knowledge of English (an official language alongside Maltese) and other factors have all been important.

The Guardian - Opinion

Given the widespread knowledge of the expected poor conditions and the speed with which darkness would descend, why had it not been started earlier?

The Guardian - Sport

Nonetheless, disease reporting may be hindered by local or national concerns about economic or political impacts associated with widespread knowledge of the presence of infectious disease.

Britannica

Other papers showed how MI5 and MI6 submitted more than 1,600 questions to be put to Belhaj and a second kidnap victim, Sami al-Saadi, despite the widespread knowledge of the use of torture in Gaddafi's prisons.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

(1) Widespread knowledge on properties of the corresponding bitstream is available.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

According to Donovan, there isn't widespread knowledge on those numbers, limiting understanding of the scope of needs.

Los Angeles Times

If they're talking about there being widespread knowledge [of PRISM in Congress], there was not".

Huffington Post

If they're talking about there being widespread knowledge [of PRISM in Congress], there was not". She also noted that it was hard for senators to quiz intelligence officials.

HuffPost

Our research does not confirm published findings of widespread knowledge and use of black market misoprostol among younger adolescents [ 31, 32].

BMC Women's Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widespread knowledge of", ensure that the claim of widespread understanding is supported by evidence or credible sources. Avoid using it speculatively without proper backing.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread knowledge of" when the understanding is limited to a specific group or is not generally accepted. Overstating the extent of knowledge can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread knowledge of" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase describes a state of common awareness or understanding of a particular subject or issue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widespread knowledge of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a particular fact or concept is commonly understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedic content. When using this phrase, ensure that the claim of broad understanding is accurate and supported by evidence, avoiding overstatements. Alternatives include "common understanding of" and "general awareness of", offering subtle shifts in meaning. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "widespread knowledge of" to convey information clearly and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common understanding of

Replaces "knowledge" with "understanding", implying a shared comprehension rather than just awareness.

general awareness of

Substitutes "knowledge" with "awareness", suggesting a less detailed or comprehensive understanding.

broad recognition of

Uses "recognition" instead of "knowledge", focusing on acknowledgment rather than detailed understanding.

public consciousness of

Emphasizes public awareness and acknowledgement of a particular issue or fact.

pervasive understanding of

Replaces "widespread" with "pervasive", highlighting the extent to which the understanding has spread.

universal cognizance of

A more formal alternative, using "cognizance" to mean awareness or knowledge.

extensive familiarity with

Shifts the focus to familiarity, implying practical experience or close acquaintance with the subject.

collective knowledge of

Highlights that the knowledge is shared among a group.

widely disseminated information about

Focuses on the spread of information rather than the state of knowing.

commonly held belief about

Suggests that the 'knowledge' is more of a belief than a proven fact.

FAQs

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

You can use "widespread knowledge of" to indicate that a large number of people are aware of something. For example: "The "widespread knowledge of" the dangers of smoking has led to public health campaigns".

What are some alternatives to "widespread knowledge of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "common understanding of", "general awareness of", or "broad recognition of", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "widespread knowledge of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where you need to convey that a concept or fact is commonly understood. However, ensure that your claim of widespread knowledge is accurate and supported by evidence.

What's the difference between "widespread knowledge of" and "public perception of"?

"Widespread knowledge of" indicates a general awareness or understanding of something, while "public perception of" refers to the way something is viewed or understood by the public, which may not always be based on accurate information or complete understanding. "Public perception" involves opinions and beliefs, while "widespread knowledge" implies a broader base of factual understanding.