basic knowledge of English vs basic command of English

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Basic knowledge of English' is more general and refers to a fundamental understanding of the language, while 'basic command of English' implies a practical ability to use the language. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize understanding or practical skills.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1675 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"basic knowledge of English"

This phrase is used to refer to a fundamental understanding of the English language, including vocabulary, grammar, and basic concepts.

Examples:

Having a basic knowledge of English is essential for international communication.
The course provides students with a basic knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary.

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Can write and speak the following languages: English, French and Spanish, and has a basic knowledge of German.
Have a basic knowledge of climate change and the Kyoto Protocol
- basic knowledge of poultry pathology,
I've got a basic knowledge of ancient systems.
I've got a basic knowledge of ancient systems.
Anyone with a basic knowledge of the ship's computer.
basic knowledge of shipping and shipboard operations; and
I believe no woman should be without a basic knowledge of self-defense.
Besides patent law, judges should also have at least basic knowledge of antitrust law.
Fewer than half of the young people that McKinsey surveyed claimed to have even basic knowledge of average wages or the prevalence of job opportunities in their chosen field.
It will test your basic knowledge of stocks, bonds, and other securities.
I hope a basic knowledge of film trivia isn't a requirement, or else we're never getting out of here.
Basic knowledge of Web site design, and a very unique fake name.
- a lack of basic knowledge of nanoscience and nanotechnology,
basic knowledge of poultry anatomy and physiology;
basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of slaughtered animals;
Well, whoever it was had a basic knowledge of crime scene investigation.
A survey recently conducted in Sweden among 15-20 year-olds showed that their basic knowledge of communism is very poor, almost non-existent.
Basic knowledge of the relevant provisions of Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 and Directive 2006/40/EC
basic knowledge of the Greek language on the part of passenger cabin crew and sales staff,

Alternatives:

fundamental understanding of English
basic grasp of English
rudimentary knowledge of English
elementary knowledge of English
foundational knowledge of English

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"basic command of English"

This phrase is used to indicate a practical ability to use the English language effectively, including speaking, writing, and understanding.

Examples:

She has a basic command of English, so she can communicate with English speakers.
Candidates should have a basic command of English to apply for the job.

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Whose command of English was... Irrelevant.
Good command of English is essential.
It is essential to have good command of English nowadays.
Whose command of English was... Irrelevant.
This requirement represents discrimination against Community job applicants with an excellent or good command of English.
excellent command of English and a very good command of French.
Adequate command of English or other European language depending on the destination, among the cabin crew to enable them to deal with passengers or emergencies should be mandatory.
If we can get them to write a paragraph without a four-letter word in it, it'll have to have better command of English.
Mai tais, Travis McGee novels, and a physical therapist whose command of English was... Irrelevant.
A good command of English is required, as it is the working language of Cedefop.
a thorough command of English or French.
should have a good command of English, both spoken and written.
Finally, a general remark (category G) should be recorded where formal ELP compliance can be attested even though actual communication during the ramp inspection process is very difficult because of the clear lack of English command of the pilots.
Suffice for me to remind you of a few serious accidents, one in France and one in Italy, which were both directly the result of the fact that the aviation staff did not have a sufficient command of English, the official language.
While Japanese students rank high in international comparisons, a widespread lack of command of English, the lingua franca of international commerce and science, puts Japan at a disadvantage in the global marketplace.
He won't be able to execute basic commands.
A good command of English is required, as it is the working language of the Foundation,
Good command of English is essential; a good knowledge of French/German will be an additional asset.
At the moment, information of this kind is only available to people with a command of English and with access to the Internet, as this information is available in the United States.
Her skills, political experience, moral authority and perfect command of English, coupled with her experience of working across the globe, make her the ideal candidate for the post of Managing Director of the IMF.

Alternatives:

basic proficiency in English
rudimentary command of English
elementary command of English
basic language skills in English
basic fluency in English

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basic knowledge of English vs basic command of English