Word
knows
US/ˈnoʊz/
UK/nˈəʊz/
Definitions
01third-person singular
A1 · Beginner
v. the form of 'know' used with he, she, it, or a single name.
v. The third-person singular present indicative form of 'know'.
“She knows exactly how to fix the computer when it crashes.”
“The professor knows the subject so thoroughly that she can answer any question without referring to her notes.”
Pitfall
He know the answer.
He knows the answer.
In standard English, you must add 's' to the verb when the subject is 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Synonyms
02dialect use
C1 · Advanced Dialect · Informal
v. a way of saying 'know' for any person (I, you, we, they) in some local areas.
v. A nonstandard present tense form used for all persons, singular and plural, in specific regional dialects.
“I knows what you mean, but I can't help you right now.”
“In some traditional rural dialects, a speaker might say 'I knows' or 'they knows' instead of using the standard forms.”
Usage
This form is common in certain British and American regional dialects but is considered grammatically incorrect in standard or academic writing.
Synonyms
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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