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Mari-Lou A
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First of all in English, we don't normally say we know some knowledge. Instead it is far more common to say that "we have some knowledge" in a particular field or subject.

Google Ngram illustrates that the expression know some knowledge is non existent compared to have some/little knowledge

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To have some knowledge implies that we have reached a certain level of understanding but we are still far from calling ourselves knowledgeable. We have progressed beyond being totally ignorant and we are able to understand some (non specified amount) if not most of the technical terms and jargon connected to the subject. For example,

  1. I have some knowledge of the history of art
  2. He has some knowledge of computers

More often than not, we will say

  1. I know something about the history of art
  2. He knows something about computers.

Now, sometimes when people say they have some knowledge, they could in actual fact be very well-read and be very knowledgeable in that field. You might call this false modesty, or, if the person is genuinely nice, humbleness. The fact remains, that person might be very knowledgeable about that subject, but prefers to keep a low profile. Only speaking to this person will tell you if he or she has a smattering of learning or a full understanding.

To have a little knowledge can have a very similar meaning to some

  1. I have a little knowledge of the history of art (I don't know much, but I do know something.)
  2. He has a little knowledge of computers (idem)

whereas little used alone, means a very small quantity

  1. I have little knowledge of ...
  2. He has little knowledge of ...

From The Free Dictionary

little, a little
3. used in front of nouns

You use a little to show that you are talking about a small quantity or amount of something. When you use little without 'a', you are emphasizing that there is only a small quantity or amount of something.

So, for example, if you say 'I have a little money', you are saying that you have some money. However, if you say 'I have little money', you mean that you do not have enough money.

  • I had made a little progress.
  • It is clear that little progress was made.

Collins COBUILD English Usage

Mari-Lou A
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