Meaning & use
passing knowledge
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
A small amount of knowledge about a subject, gained without serious study or deep interest.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase. Often appears with 'a' or 'only a', and in negative sentences: 'He has only a passing knowledge of French.'
Patterns
- a passing knowledge of something
- only a passing knowledge of something
- have a passing knowledge of something
- get a passing knowledge of something
She has a passing knowledge of Japanese, enough to order food but not to hold a conversation.
My passing knowledge of chemistry helped me understand the news article, but I am not an expert.
He picked up a passing knowledge of local history during his travels.
phrasefixed phrasedisapproving
Knowledge that is not deep or detailed; a superficial understanding.
Grammar: Often used to suggest that the knowledge is not enough for professional or serious work.
Patterns
- a passing knowledge of something
- no more than a passing knowledge of something
His passing knowledge of economics was not enough to answer the difficult questions.
The report criticized managers for having only a passing knowledge of the laws they were supposed to follow.
Common combinations
- a passing knowledge of
- She has a passing knowledge of Spanish.
- only a passing knowledge
- He has only a passing knowledge of the rules.
- have a passing knowledge
- I have a passing knowledge of art history.
- get a passing knowledge
- You can get a passing knowledge of coding from online courses.
- no more than a passing knowledge
- Her understanding was no more than a passing knowledge.
Synonyms and how they differ
- superficial knowledge
- This is more direct and often negative, suggesting the knowledge is shallow and not useful.
- smattering
- A smattering is a small amount of something, especially a language, and is slightly more informal than 'passing knowledge'.
- basic knowledge
- Basic knowledge is the minimum needed, while passing knowledge emphasizes that it is not deep.
Opposites
Commonly confused: passing knowledge or passing grade?
passing knowledge vs passing grade
A passing grade is a mark that lets you pass a test, while passing knowledge is a small amount of knowledge.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'passing knowledge' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The correct phrase is 'a passing knowledge of something'. Option 2 uses 'about' instead of 'of', option 3 omits 'a', and option 4 uses 'in' instead of 'of'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “passing knowledge”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.