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Guest Posted 22 years ago
Grammar

Knowledge of and knowledge on

Not being a native English speaker, I keep having problems with prepositions. My current concern is with the word "knowledge". "Knowledge of" is obviously correct, but isn't it also possible to use "knowledge on"? And if so, is there a difference in meaning?

Example:

The decision was based on knowledge of the user's needs and interests.
The decision was based on knowledge on the user's needs and interests.

To me, "knowledge of" in this example implies that there is a known list of such needs and interests, while "knowledge on" also indicates that there is some insight into what these needs and interests are. Am I right?

Thanks in advance for any replies,
/Åsa of Sweden
  

Top answer

Your reasoning is flawless. Unfortunately, English prepositions aren't, and in this case, the one you want is "knowledge about", not "knowledge on". Rommie

— Rommie

  • Your reasoning is flawless.
  • Unfortunately, English prepositions aren't, and in this case, the one you want is "knowledge about", not "knowledge on".
  • Rommie
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2 Answers
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Your reasoning is flawless. Unfortunately, English prepositions aren't, and in this case, the one you want is "knowledge about", not "knowledge on".

Rommie
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The decision was based on knowledge ( what knowledge ? ) about the user's needs and interests.

Knowledge of

eg. The knowledge of the user is important to understand how to make use of the new software.

Knowledge on

eg. I don't have any knowledge on this matter.
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