working knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"working knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to knowledge acquired in the workplace, or to knowledge that is necessary to perform a job. For example, "He had a good working knowledge of engineering principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Archers Functional working knowledge of dairy farming.

The Guardian - Film

A working knowledge of Portuguese is necessary.

University of California, Berkeley

Prerequisite: working knowledge of biochemistry and genetics.

Stanford University

A working knowledge of Korean is recommended.

Princeton University

Must have working knowledge of Excel.

Cornell University

(He has a working knowledge of fifteen others).

The New Yorker

Many of them presuppose a working knowledge of genealogy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Unicef

She is fluent in French and has a working knowledge of Arabic.

Huffington Post

Carmen Nobel is senior editor of HBS Working Knowledge.

Forbes

Professor Roy Y.J. Chua discusses his research in this article from HBS Working Knowledge.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When listing required skills for a job, specify the level of "working knowledge" needed to avoid ambiguity. For example, "working knowledge of Python for data analysis" is more precise than just "knowledge of Python".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "working knowledge" implies deep expertise. It suggests competence to perform tasks, not necessarily mastery or innovative problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working knowledge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "working" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "knowledge". It describes a level of understanding that is sufficient for practical application. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

24%

News & Media

42%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working knowledge" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, that signifies a practical level of understanding of a subject. It's frequently found in academic, news, and business contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using "working knowledge", be precise about the area of knowledge and avoid implying expertise beyond competence. Alternatives such as "practical understanding" or "functional expertise" may be more suitable depending on the context. By specifying the level of understanding needed, you can ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings. Remember, it suggests competence to perform tasks, not necessarily innovative problem-solving or mastery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical understanding

Emphasizes the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.

operational knowledge

Focuses on understanding the practical aspects of a system or process.

functional expertise

Highlights competence to utilize specific skills effectively.

basic competence

Suggests a fundamental level of skill sufficient for routine tasks.

conversant with

Focuses on familiarity and ability to discuss a topic.

familiarity with

Indicates acquaintance and understanding, but not necessarily expertise.

proficiency in

Highlights a good level of skill and competence.

grasp of

Refers to a solid understanding of key concepts.

hands-on experience

Suggests direct practical involvement rather than theoretical knowledge.

foundational understanding

Stresses the basic or fundamental knowledge of a topic.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate "working knowledge" in a job interview?

Provide specific examples of how you've applied your knowledge to solve problems or complete tasks successfully. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to showcase the depth of your understanding.

What does "working knowledge" imply about the depth of understanding?

"Working knowledge" suggests a practical understanding sufficient for performing tasks, but not necessarily mastery. It's more than just familiarity, but less than expert-level proficiency. You can use alternatives like "practical understanding", "functional expertise" or "basic competence" depending on the level of depth.

Is "working knowledge" a formal or informal term?

"Working knowledge" is considered a neutral and widely accepted term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It clearly communicates a level of practical understanding.

What are some alternative phrases for "working knowledge" in a resume?

Depending on the context, alternatives include phrases like "conversant with", "familiarity with", "proficiency in", or "grasp of". Choose the phrase that best reflects your level of expertise.