English Reference
verb

knows

v.
US /ˈnoʊz/ UK /nˈəʊz/ knows

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    the form of 'know' used with he, she, it, or a single name.

    The third-person singular present indicative form of 'know'.

    Simple

    She knows exactly how to fix the computer when it crashes.

    In context

    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'.

    understandsrecognises
  2. 02 C1 Advanced DialectInformal

    a way of saying 'know' for any person (I, you, we, they) in some local areas.

    A nonstandard present tense form used for all persons, singular and plural, in specific regional dialects.

    Simple

    I knows what you mean, but I can't help you right now.

    In context

    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.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated