Using Collocation to Boost Your IELTS Score – Key Word: Knowledge

Boost your IELTS vocabulary by mastering collocations with the word “knowledge.” These expressions will help you sound natural and fluent in IELTS Speaking and Writing Task 2. This guide explores verbs, adjectives, and expressions commonly used with “knowledge,” along with examples and practice exercises.

Understanding “Knowledge” Collocations

In English, collocations are natural combinations of words that frequently appear together. Using them correctly in IELTS helps you demonstrate lexical range and precision, which are key elements for achieving Band 7 or higher.

For example:

• Incorrect: increase your knowledge
• Correct: broaden your knowledge

Verb + Knowledge

Let’s start with the most common verb collocations that go naturally with knowledge.

Exercise

Use the correct form of these verbs to complete the sentences:

broaden | deny | live with | provide | use | have

1. He claims that he knew nothing about the decision to sell the land cheaply to a private developer. He ___________ all knowledge of the affair.
2. This small booklet ___________ background knowledge to the school.
3. The best way to ___________ your knowledge of world affairs is to read a good newspaper every day.
4. He has a serious heart condition. I don’t know how he manages to ___________ the knowledge that he might have a heart attack at any moment.
5. An occasion may arise when you can ___________ your knowledge of French. You never know when it might come in handy.
6. Many of these students do not ___________ much knowledge of the history of their own country.

Answer Key

1. denies
2. provides
3. broaden
4. live with
5. use
6. have

IELTS Tip: In IELTS Writing Task 22, use expressions like “broaden your knowledge” or “apply your knowledge” to sound academic and precise.
Example: “Studying abroad allows students to broaden their knowledge of global cultures and develop international perspectives.”

Common Adjective + Knowledge Collocations

Adjectives describe how much or what kind of knowledge someone has. Mastering these helps in both speaking and writing responses.

Exercise

Complete the sentences with the correct adjectives:

prior | working | common | general | wide | basic | full | specialist

1. You didn’t know that Sue and Bill were having an affair? But we’ve all known about it for months now. It’s been ___________ knowledge for ages!
2. We’re looking for someone with a good ___________ knowledge of information systems.
3. How good is your ___________ knowledge?
4. Do I need any previous knowledge of computing in order to join the course? → No, it’s an introductory course and requires no ___________ knowledge whatsoever.
5. With a ___________ knowledge of Italian, you should be able to order a meal in a restaurant in Rome.
6. Through years of study, he has acquired a ___________ knowledge of painting and music.
7. It needs ___________ knowledge to repair most electronic equipment.
8. The documentary about the Royals was made with the King’s ___________ knowledge and approval.

Answer Key

1. common
2. working
3. general
4. prior
5. basic
6. wide
7. specialist
8. full

Example Sentences for IELTS

• “A general knowledge of environmental issues is essential for tackling global challenges.”
• “He possesses a specialist knowledge of data analysis, which makes him a valuable employee.”
• “Most IELTS candidates have a basic knowledge of essay structure but need to improve coherence and cohesion.”

Useful Expressions with “Knowledge”

These are fixed phrases you can use in IELTS Speaking to sound fluent and idiomatic.

Match each expression with its meaning

1. To my knowledge, no one knew what Robert was planning.
2. Has he resigned? → Not to my knowledge.
3. I was annoyed when he took the car without my knowledge.
4. With our alarms, you can go out, secure in the knowledge that your house is safe.

Meanings:
a. confident
b. as far as I know
c. I didn’t know
d. not as far as I know

Answer Key

1 – b
2 – d
3 – c
4 – a

Practice Sentences

1. I don’t think Desmond has applied for the job – at least ___________!
2. I think we can all sleep safely tonight, ___________ that the killer is now behind bars.
3. If I find out that someone used my computer ___________, I won’t rest until I find out who it was.

Answers:

1. not to my knowledge
2. secure in the knowledge
3. without my knowledge

Notes on Usage

1. Expanding Knowledge

• Besides “broaden,” you can also say “expand your knowledge.”
• Example: “Reading scientific journals helps students expand their knowledge of research methods.”

2. Degrees of Knowledge

• “Background knowledge” or “working knowledge” means enough understanding to function effectively.
• Example: “You don’t need to be an expert, but we expect you to have a working knowledge of spreadsheets.”

3. Describing Depth

• “In-depth knowledge” means a very detailed understanding.
• “Detailed knowledge” means thorough understanding.
• “Intimate knowledge” means a close or personal understanding.
• Example: “The researcher has an in-depth knowledge of climate change data.”

4. Comparing Knowledge

• “Unrivalled knowledge” means no one knows more about the subject.
• Example: “His knowledge of ancient history is unrivalled.”

5. General Knowledge

• A “general knowledge quiz” tests awareness across different topics like science, history, and culture, a great way to improve IELTS Reading comprehension.

IELTS Vocabulary Practice – “Knowledge” Collocations

Try using these collocations in your next IELTS Speaking practice.

Using collocations with “knowledge” effectively can greatly enhance your IELTS score. They help you express complex ideas naturally and show your vocabulary range to the examiner. Practice these combinations in your Writing Task 2 essays and IELTS Speaking Part 3 answers to make your language more precise, academic, and impressive.

Also Check: 

• Improve Your Vocabulary for IELTS – Key Word: Space
• Improve Your Vocabulary for IELTS – Key Word: Size
• Using Collocation to Boost Your IELTS Score - Key Word: decision 
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• Grammar For IELTS : The Common Grammars And Sentence Structures In English (Part 1
• Grammar For IELTS : The Common Grammars And Sentence Structures In English (Part 2)
• Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing: Advanced Grammar in IELTS
• 100+ Advanced Vocabulary Word List for IELTS (PDF Available)