working knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

"working knowledge of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's level of understanding or familiarity with a particular subject or skill. Example: The job posting for an administrative assistant requires a working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Archers Functional working knowledge of dairy farming.

The Guardian - Film

(He has a working knowledge of fifteen others).

The New Yorker

Many of them presuppose a working knowledge of genealogy.

The New York Times

He also had a working knowledge of Greek.

The Guardian

"I also possess a basic working knowledge of functional machinery!

The Guardian

I need a working knowledge of each set of conditions, pension regulations and pay scales.

The Guardian

"Bernie was endearing, but he didn't even have a working knowledge of the business".

The New York Times

He spoke six languages fluently and had a working knowledge of a half dozen more.

The New York Times

Star Wars Functional working knowledge of Trade Federation negotiations viz geographical blockades around the planet Naboo.

The Guardian - Film

"They'll walk out of here with a working knowledge of what they need for this project".

The New York Times

By the end of their first year, Dan Everett had a working knowledge of Pirahã.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skills on a resume, use "working knowledge of" to indicate practical, hands-on experience rather than theoretical understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "working knowledge of" when you want to convey deep expertise. Use stronger phrases like "extensive experience in" or "mastery of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working knowledge of" functions as a qualifier, specifying the extent of one's understanding or proficiency in a particular subject or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working knowledge of" is a widely used phrase that indicates a practical understanding and competence in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common appearance in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, distinguishing it from terms denoting deeper expertise or mere familiarity. Employ it to describe the ability to apply knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios, as demonstrated through numerous examples available on Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical understanding of

Focuses on the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations; less emphasis on theoretical depth.

functional awareness of

Emphasizes the ability to use knowledge effectively for a specific purpose.

basic grasp of

Suggests a foundational understanding, possibly lacking in detail or comprehensive expertise.

familiarity with

Highlights acquaintance and comfort with a subject, without necessarily implying proficiency.

command of

Indicates a strong level of control and expertise over a subject or skill.

proficiency in

Highlights competence and skill in a particular area.

competence in

Suggests ability to perform tasks adequately, often in a professional context.

acquaintance with

Indicates a superficial or introductory level of knowledge.

expertise in

Denotes a high level of skill, knowledge, or experience in a particular field.

grounding in

Suggests a foundational understanding, often in theoretical or academic settings.

FAQs

How do you demonstrate "working knowledge of" a skill in an interview?

Provide specific examples of how you've applied the skill in previous roles or projects. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to showcase your proficiency.

What's the difference between "familiarity with" and "working knowledge of"?

"Familiarity with" implies a basic understanding, while "working knowledge of" suggests you can actively use the skill or knowledge to perform tasks effectively.

How can I gain a "working knowledge of" a new subject quickly?

Focus on practical application and hands-on experience. Supplement theoretical learning with real-world projects and exercises to solidify your understanding.

Is "basic understanding of" the same as "working knowledge of"?

No, "basic understanding of" indicates a foundational grasp of the subject, whereas "working knowledge of" implies the ability to apply that understanding in a practical setting.