with a knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

'with a knowledge of' is a perfectly correct phrase to use in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a person has a familiarity with something. For example, "With a knowledge of computers, she was able to quickly troubleshoot the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not with a knowledge of history.

The Guardian - Sport

Couple that with a knowledge of how the movie world works".

The New York Times

Even with a knowledge of the tide times, this can be a bladder-wracking experience.

The Guardian - Travel

With a knowledge of child development, one becomes aware that reading readiness is a developmental process.

The New York Times

"They will need someone with a knowledge of jazz, living composers, world music and classical music.

The New York Times - Arts

Football began to be played with a knowledge of its inner workings.

The Guardian - Sport

Astronomical distance measurement began with a knowledge of Earth's diameter, which provided a base for triangulation.

Britannica

Fighters enter their field with a knowledge of the risks involved.

Independent

The way the body was left was consistent with a knowledge of forensics.

The New Yorker

For anyone with a knowledge of children's services, however, it also exemplifies one of the sector's most pressing concerns.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Vaizey added that knowing how a computer works was now "on a par with [a knowledge of] the arts and humanities".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a knowledge of" to emphasize the practical application of understanding. For instance, "With a knowledge of coding, he automated the task" conveys his capability.

Common error

Avoid using "with a knowledge of" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "The problem was solved with a knowledge of physics", try "A knowledge of physics helped solve the problem" for a more direct style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a knowledge of" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It adds descriptive information about the subject, indicating that the subject possesses understanding or skill in a particular area. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a knowledge of" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction used to indicate familiarity, expertise, or understanding in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and precision by specifying the subject of knowledge. Avoid overuse of passive voice for a more direct and impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having an understanding of

Emphasizes comprehension rather than just factual recall.

having familiarity with

Uses "familiarity" instead of "knowledge", implying a less in-depth understanding.

well-informed about

Focuses on being up-to-date with current information.

possessing expertise in

Replaces the general term "knowledge" with "expertise", suggesting a higher level of skill.

conversant with

Indicates ease and fluency in discussing a topic.

versed in

Suggests a well-studied or deeply learned understanding.

acquainted with

A more concise way of saying someone has some knowledge.

proficient in

Highlights skill and competence rather than just awareness.

experienced in

Highlights practical experience rather than theoretical knowledge.

skilled in

Directly emphasizes skill rather than the underlying knowledge.

FAQs

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

Use "with a knowledge of" to indicate someone's familiarity or expertise in a particular subject. For example, "With a knowledge of history, she understood the context of the events."

What are some alternatives to "with a knowledge of"?

You can use alternatives like "familiar with", "having an understanding of", or "possessing expertise in" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "knowledge of" or "understanding of"?

"Knowledge of" generally refers to knowing facts or information, while "understanding of" implies a deeper comprehension and grasp of concepts. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize familiarity or comprehension.

Can "with a knowledge of" be used to describe a skill?

Yes, "with a knowledge of" can be used to describe a skill, particularly when the skill is rooted in understanding a subject. For example, "With a knowledge of programming, he developed a new application."