know
- 01 A1 Beginner
v.to have information in your mind or to be certain about a fact.
v.to perceive the truth or factuality of something; to possess specific information with certainty.
Simple“I know that the capital of France is Paris.”
In context“The researchers know that the results of the study will be controversial, yet they feel obligated to publish their findings in full.”
UsageThis is a stative verb and is rarely used in the progressive (-ing) form.
Teacher's tipRemind students that 'know' describes a state of mind, so 'I know' is correct even if the knowing is happening right now.
PitfallI am knowing the answer. I know the answer.'Know' is a stative verb. We usually use it in the simple tense, not the continuous '-ing' form.
Synonyms - 02 A1 Beginner
v.to have met someone before and be friendly with them.
v.to be acquainted or familiar with a person through previous encounter or social interaction.
Simple“I have known my best friend since we were five years old.”
In context“Although they had worked in the same building for years, they didn't truly get to know each other until the company retreat.”
UsageTakes a direct object (a person).
Teacher's tipIn some languages, 'know' a person and 'know' a fact are different verbs. Ensure students use 'know' for both in English.
Synonymsbe acquaintedrecognize - 03 A2 Elementary
v.to have the skill or ability to do something, like speak a language or play a game.
v.to possess a practical understanding or mastery of a skill, language, or subject through study or experience.
Simple“Do you know how to fix a flat tire on a bicycle?”
In context“She knows enough Mandarin to navigate the city and order meals, though she struggles with complex technical discussions.”
UsageOften followed by 'how to' plus a verb.
Teacher's tipPoint out the 'know how to' construction for physical or technical skills.
Synonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
v.to see or hear someone and remember who they are.
v.to identify or recognize someone or something previously encountered.
Simple“I didn't know you with your new haircut.”
In context“Even after twenty years apart, he knew her voice the moment she spoke his name across the crowded terminal.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to have felt or lived through a particular situation or feeling.
v.to have personal experience of a specific condition, emotion, or historical period.
Simple“That generation knew great hardship during the war.”
In context“The region has known little peace over the last century, as border disputes have repeatedly flared into open conflict.”
Synonyms - 06 C1 Advanced
n.used in the phrase 'in the know' to mean you have special information that others do not have.
n.the state of possessing inside information or specialized knowledge; restricted almost exclusively to the idiomatic phrase 'in the know'.
Simple“People in the know say that the company is going to close soon.”
In context“Those in the know suggest that the prime minister is planning a surprise cabinet reshuffle before the end of the fiscal year.”
UsageUsed as part of the prepositional phrase 'in the know'.
Teacher's tipThis is a common journalistic idiom. It implies the person has access to secrets or 'insider' details.
know vs know how — Know covers facts and familiarity, while know how covers the ability to perform a task.
know vs meet — Meet is the first encounter or arrival; know is the ongoing state of familiarity.
Usage know everything · know exactly · know what's
From Middle English knowen, from Old English cnāwan (“to know, perceive, recognise”), from Proto-West Germanic knāan, from Proto-Germanic knēaną (“to know”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (“to know”). Cognates from Indo-European: Latin gnoscō, Latin cognoscō (Spanish conocer, French connaître, Romanian cunoaște, Italian conoscere, Portuguese conhecer), Ancient Greek γνωρίζω (gnōrízō, “I know”) and γνῶσις (gnôsis, “knowledge”), Albanian njoh (“I know, recognise”), Russian знать (znatʹ, “to know”), Lithuanian žinoti (“to know”), and Persian شناختن (šenâxtan, “to know”). from Proto-Germanic: Scots knaw (“to know, recognise”), Icelandic knega (“to know, know how to, be able”), Old High German knājan (“to know, recognise”), Old Norse kná (“to know how”). Remotely related also Dutch and German kennen, West Frisian kenne (see English ken).
Shortening of you know (sense 4)—Singapore English favours pro-drop constructions (Wee, 2003).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.