English Profile

know · verb

/noʊ/Full view

Word family

Nouns: knowledge, unknown

Adjectives: knowing, knowledgeable, known, unknown

Verbs: know

Adverbs: knowingly, unknowingly, knowledgeably

know (HAVE INFORMATION)

A1 I or T to have knowledge or information about something in your mind

Dictionary examples:

"Where did he go?" - "I don't know."

"What does it cost?" - "Ask Kate. She'll know."

She knows the name of every kid in the school.

I don't know anything about this.

We don't know when he's arriving.

I don't know what all the fuss is about.

I just knew (that) it was going to be a disaster.

Learner example:

I don't know how long it is. (Key English Test; A2; Russian)

know (ASK FOR INFORMATION)

A1 T used to ask someone to tell you a piece of information

Dictionary examples:

Do you know the time?

Do you know where the Post Office is?

Learner example:

Do you know why? (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

know (BE ABLE)

A2 T to be able to do something

Dictionary examples:

Do you know how to ski?

I only know a little Spanish.

Learner example:

Some people know how to play the guitar. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

know (BE CERTAIN)

A2 I or T to be certain

Dictionary examples:

I know (that) she'll be really pleased to hear the news.

I don't know whether I should tell her or not.

Learner example:

I can't find the information, but I know the class is on Tuesday. (Key English Test; A2; German)

let sb know

A2 to tell someone something

Dictionary example:

Let me know if you're coming to the party.

Learner example:

I just want to let you know that we are going to use blue paint because I really like blue. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

you know

B1 used to emphasize what you are saying, or used before you start to talk about someone or something, or used as something to say while you are thinking what to say next

Dictionary examples:

I'm not stupid, you know!

You know the bookshop next to the bank? Well, it's closing down.

It's, you know, supposed to be a surprise on her birthday.

know (BE FAMILIAR WITH)

B1 T to be familiar with or have experience and understanding of

Dictionary examples:

I've known Daniel since we were in school together.

She grew up in Paris so she knows it well.

I've seen the film "Casablanca" so many times that I know a lot of it by heart.

Knowing Sarah, she'll do a good job.

Learner example:

I knew him in London, and when I knew him I was very happy. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

know (UNDERSTAND A SUBJECT)

B1 I or T If you know a subject, you are familiar with it and understand it.

Dictionary examples:

Do you know about computers?

She knows her subject inside out.

Learner example:

If you want to know more about Peruvian history, I recommend you [visit] the city because you can see the old houses and museum[s]. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

get to know sb/sth

B1 to spend time with someone or something so that you gradually learn more about them

Dictionary examples:

The first couple of meetings are for the doctor and patient to get to know each other.

I'll need a few weeks to get to know the system.

Learner example:

I hope you can come here and get to know him. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

I know

B1 used when you have an idea

Dictionary example:

I know - let's go to Helen's house.

as you know

B1 used when you are saying something that someone already knows

Dictionary example:

As you know, we have been trying to contact him.

Learner example:

As you know, I am in New York. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Croatian)

as far as I know

B2 used to say that you think something is true, but you cannot be sure

Dictionary example:

As far as I know, he isn’t coming until tomorrow.

Learner example:

You wrote that you wanted to go next month, and as far as I know, that would be just fine. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

know better (than to do sth)

B2 to have the intelligence or judgment not to do something

Dictionary example:

She should have known better than to eat so much. No wonder she feels sick now.

Learner example:

I should have known better but I had to tell it to someone. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

I know

B2 used when you agree with something someone has just said

Dictionary example:

"It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" "I know - let's hope it lasts."

you never know

B2 used to say that something could be possible although it does not seem likely

Dictionary example:

It sounds like a nice place to live, but you never know – we may not like it.

Learner example:

You never know, maybe I'll find something interesting and I'll change my point of view. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

before you know it

C1 very soon

Dictionary example:

We'll be there before you know it.

Learner example:

It is a bit dark inside, and especially in winter, it is dark before you know it. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Dutch)

know sth inside out

C1 to know everything about something

Dictionary example:

He knows the system inside out.

Learner example:

The participants got to know Britain inside out and they are happy with the knowledge they gained. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Chinese)

know what you are talking about

C1 to understand a subject because of your experience

Dictionary example:

He doesn't know what he's talking about - he's never even been to Africa.

Learner example:

I beli[e]ve that you don't really know what you're talking about. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Swedish)

know (GUESS CORRECTLY)

C2 T to guess something correctly

Dictionary example:

I should have known he wouldn't come.

Learner example:

I should have known that he wouldn't understand. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

know best

C2 to be the most suitable person to have responsibility and make important decisions

Dictionary example:

When it comes to dealing with my own son, I think I know best.

Learner example:

How true is that expression "Father knows best." If my father [was alive] today he would probably be laughing his head off. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

know better

C2 to have enough experience not to do something stupid or something that will not achieve anything

Dictionary example:

I thought she'd listen to me - I should have known better.

Learner example:

Surely two grown-ups should have known better than to shout at each other at the top of their lungs. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

the next thing I knew

C2 used to talk about part of a story that happens in a sudden and surprising way

Dictionary example:

A bike came speeding around the corner, and the next thing I knew I was lying on the ground.

Learner example:

And the next thing I knew was that I was playing cards with 3 men. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

know your stuff

C2 to know a lot about a subject, or to be very good at doing something

Dictionary example:

She's an excellent teacher - she really knows her stuff.

Learner example:

The thing was that she should have been be able to tell them what to do; she never doubted her own abilities. She knew "her stuff" all right. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

know of sth/sb

B2 to have heard of something or someone and have a little information about them

Dictionary example:

I know of a good restaurant near the theater.

Learner example:

I know of a good restaurant that has opened recently and it's near your new apartment, so I suggest we go and try out the marvelous Chinese dishes the day after the concert. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)