B1 Collocation محايد 2 دقيقة للقراءة

basic knowledge

معرفة أساسية

Use it to show you understand the essentials but are still learning the details.

في 15 ثانية

  • The essential facts needed to understand a subject.
  • A humble way to say you are a beginner.
  • Commonly used in job resumes and casual learning.

المعنى

This phrase refers to the simplest facts or skills you need to understand a topic. It is the starting point before you learn more complex things.

أمثلة رئيسية

3 من 6
1

Applying for a job

I have basic knowledge of Excel and data entry.

I have basic knowledge of Excel and data entry.

💼
2

Starting a conversation about a hobby

I only have basic knowledge of gardening, so don't ask me about rare flowers!

I only have basic knowledge of gardening, so don't ask me about rare flowers!

😄
3

In a classroom setting

The course assumes you have basic knowledge of biology.

The course assumes you have basic knowledge of biology.

👔
🌍

خلفية ثقافية

The phrase reflects a Western educational focus on 'core competencies.' It gained massive traction during the digital revolution when job descriptions began requiring 'basic knowledge' of software. It is often used as a polite way to say someone is a beginner without being insulting.

💡

The Resume Secret

On a resume, 'basic knowledge' is better than 'beginner.' It sounds more proactive and professional.

⚠️

Don't undersell yourself

If you have used a skill for 5 years, don't say 'basic knowledge.' Use 'intermediate' or 'proficient' instead.

في 15 ثانية

  • The essential facts needed to understand a subject.
  • A humble way to say you are a beginner.
  • Commonly used in job resumes and casual learning.

What It Means

basic knowledge is the foundation of any subject. It is the 'ABC' level of learning. Think of it like a house. This phrase is the concrete slab at the bottom. Without it, the walls fall down. It means you know enough to start. You are not an expert yet. You just know the essential rules.

How To Use It

You use it to describe what you already know. Or, you use it to describe what someone needs. It usually follows verbs like have, need, or require. You can say, "I have basic knowledge of French." This tells people you can order a croissant. You probably cannot discuss philosophy yet. It is a very safe, humble phrase to use.

When To Use It

Use it during job interviews to be honest. It works well when starting a new hobby. Use it when you are a beginner in a class. It is perfect for professional emails. It also works when talking to friends about tech. "I have basic knowledge of how this app works." It manages people's expectations perfectly.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it if you are a pro. If you have a PhD, do not say basic knowledge. It sounds like you are joking or being fake. Avoid it if you are totally clueless too. If you don't know anything, say "I have no idea." basic knowledge implies you at least know the name of the tools. Don't use it to describe deep, emotional feelings.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, being honest about your level is valued. People use this phrase to avoid sounding arrogant. It is part of a "growth mindset." We like to show we are ready to learn more. It became very popular with the rise of computers. Everyone needed basic knowledge of the internet in the 90s. Now, it applies to everything from cooking to coding.

Common Variations

You might hear foundational knowledge in academic settings. Friends might say the basics. In a job ad, you might see rudimentary understanding. They all mean roughly the same thing. However, basic knowledge is the most common and natural version. It is the 'Goldilocks' of phrases—not too formal, not too casual.

ملاحظات الاستخدام

This is a very safe 'neutral' phrase. It works in 90% of situations, from talking to a neighbor to writing a cover letter for a job.

💡

The Resume Secret

On a resume, 'basic knowledge' is better than 'beginner.' It sounds more proactive and professional.

⚠️

Don't undersell yourself

If you have used a skill for 5 years, don't say 'basic knowledge.' Use 'intermediate' or 'proficient' instead.

💬

The 'I know enough to be dangerous' Joke

A common English idiom for having basic knowledge is saying 'I know enough to be dangerous.' It means you know just enough to start, but might make a mess!

أمثلة

6
#1 Applying for a job
💼

I have basic knowledge of Excel and data entry.

I have basic knowledge of Excel and data entry.

Shows you can do the work but might need some guidance.

#2 Starting a conversation about a hobby
😄

I only have basic knowledge of gardening, so don't ask me about rare flowers!

I only have basic knowledge of gardening, so don't ask me about rare flowers!

A humorous way to set boundaries on what you know.

#3 In a classroom setting
👔

The course assumes you have basic knowledge of biology.

The course assumes you have basic knowledge of biology.

Sets a prerequisite for the students.

#4 Texting a friend about a new gadget
😊

I got the new camera! I have basic knowledge of the settings now.

I got the new camera! I have basic knowledge of the settings now.

Casual update on progress.

#5 Admitting a weakness to a partner
💭

I'm sorry, I only have basic knowledge of how to fix a car.

I'm sorry, I only have basic knowledge of how to fix a car.

Expressing a limitation in a helpful way.

#6 Asking for help
🤝

Does anyone here have basic knowledge of first aid?

Does anyone here have basic knowledge of first aid?

Searching for an essential skill in a group.

اختبر نفسك

Choose the best word to complete the sentence.

To bake this cake, you need a ___ knowledge of how an oven works.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: basic

We use 'basic' to describe the essential, starting information needed for a task.

Complete the professional self-introduction.

I have ___ ___ of coding in Python.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: basic knowledge

'Basic knowledge' is the standard collocation for describing your skill level.

🎉 النتيجة: /2

وسائل تعلم بصرية

Formality of 'Basic Knowledge'

Informal

Used with friends.

I know the basics.

Neutral

Standard everyday use.

I have basic knowledge.

Formal

Professional or academic.

Possesses foundational knowledge.

Where to use Basic Knowledge

Basic Knowledge
📄

Job Resume

Listing software skills.

🎸

New Hobby

Learning to play guitar.

✈️

Travel

Speaking a local language.

🚑

Emergency

Knowing CPR or first aid.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

'The basics' is more informal. You might say 'I know the basics of cooking,' whereas 'basic knowledge' sounds better in a report or interview.

Yes, both 'basic knowledge' and 'a basic knowledge' are correct. For example, 'I have a basic knowledge of history' is very common.

Usually, we use it for subjects or skills. You wouldn't say 'I have basic knowledge of my friend.' You would say 'I know him a little bit.'

Not at all! It is a neutral description. However, telling someone 'You only have basic knowledge' might sound a bit condescending depending on your tone.

The opposite would be 'advanced knowledge' or 'expert-level understanding.' These imply you know the complex details.

Yes! You can have basic knowledge of carpentry, swimming, or even driving a manual car.

No. 'Common sense' is practical judgment everyone should have. basic knowledge is specific information you have learned about a topic.

You can use words like 'working knowledge' (you can use it for work) or 'comprehensive knowledge' (you know almost everything).

Yes, scientists use it to describe the fundamental principles of a theory before moving to advanced experiments.

It is similar but sounds more academic or old-fashioned. basic knowledge is the modern, go-to phrase.

عبارات ذات صلة

Working knowledge

Enough knowledge to get a job done effectively.

The fundamentals

The primary rules or aspects of a subject.

A smattering of

A very small, superficial amount of knowledge.

Grounding in

A firm basic understanding of a subject.

هل كان هذا مفيداً؟
لا توجد تعليقات بعد. كن أول من يشارك أفكاره!

ابدأ تعلم اللغات مجاناً

ابدأ التعلم مجاناً