Example sentence with word know?

Example: I know that you are trying to learn English

What is know? Pronunciation and usage in English

know means . Learn how to pronounce and use know through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of know

knowverb

/nəʊ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "know" in English. It's a tricky one because it's a common source of confusion! Here's a breakdown:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

Sounds like: /noʊ/ (like "no")
Phonetics: This is a diphthong – a vowel sound that glides smoothly from one position to another.
- Initial sound: A short "n" sound (like in "nap").
- Final sound: A rounded "o" sound (like in "go" or "boat").

How to do it:

Start with your tongue in a relaxed position in the middle of your mouth.
Round your lips as if you're going to say "ooh."
Quickly move your tongue forward a bit, making a short, nasal "n" sound. It’s a very subtle nasalization – a slight breathiness through your nose.

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

"noy": This is the most common mistake. People often try to say "naw" (like "straw"). It's completely wrong and sounds very different.
"no" with a hard "o": Some people say "no" as in "no way." This isn't how "know" is pronounced.

Tips for Practicing:

Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search online for audio clips of native English speakers saying “know.” Here are some resources:
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/audio/pronunciation/know
- YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce know" – you'll find many videos.
Record yourself: Listen back to your pronunciation and compare it to the examples you hear.
Slow it down: Try saying it slowly at first to really focus on the vowel sound and the nasalization.

To summarize: Focus on the sound like "no" with a slight nasal quality.

Do you want me to:

Try to describe it in a different way?
Give you a few more examples of words with similar vowel sounds?

Usage and examples with the word know in English

Let's break down how to use the word "know" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and ways it can be used in a sentence. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Knowing Facts (Cognizance)

Definition: This is the most common use of "know." It means to be aware of a fact, piece of information, or something that exists.
Examples:
- “I know that the capital of France is Paris.” (You have the factual knowledge.)
- “Do you know the answer to this question?” (Are you aware of the correct solution?)
- “She knows her multiplication tables.” (She's mastered the facts of multiplication.)

2. Knowing a Person (Recognizing & Familiarity)

Definition: This refers to recognizing someone or being familiar with them.
Examples:
- “I know my brother very well.” (You're acquainted with him and understand him.)
- “Do you know the new waitress?” (Are you familiar with her?)
- “She knows him from college.” (They attended the same college.)

3. Understanding (Comprehension)

Definition: To understand the meaning or nature of something. This is closely related to “know” but implies a deeper level of comprehension.
Examples:
- “I know what you mean.” (You grasp the concept.)
- “I know why he’s upset.” (You understand his reasons.)
- “Do you know how to play the piano?” (Do you have the understanding and skill?)

4. Being Certain (Confidence)

Definition: To be sure about something; to have conviction.
Examples:
- “I know that I locked the door.” (You're confident you did.)
- “I know I can do it.” (You're confident in your abilities.)
- “Don’t know you’re lying.” (Expressing certainty that someone isn’t truthful.)

5. Expressions Using "Know" (Phrasal Verbs)

This is where "know" gets even more interesting! It’s frequently used in phrasal verbs – verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs – that create new meanings.

Know about: To be aware of something, often a problem or situation.
- “I know about the trouble you’re having with your car.”
Know of: To be aware of something, often through a third-party source; to have heard about it.
- “I know of a good mechanic.” (Someone told me about him.)
Know with: To be certain of something, often with a feeling of confidence.
- “I know with certainty that he’s telling the truth.”
Know for: To be known for something.
- "He's known for his kindness."
Know how to: To be able to do something.
- "She knows how to play the guitar."

6. "I Don't Know" & Variations

I don’t know: The standard way to express a lack of information.
I have no idea: A stronger expression of not knowing.
Beats me: (Informal) “I don’t know.”
Your guess is as good as mine: (Informal) “I haven’t the slightest idea.”

Tips for Using "Know" Correctly:

Context is key: The meaning of "know" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
Distinguish from "think": “Think” implies an opinion or belief. “Know” implies factual information. (e.g., “I think it will rain” vs. “I know it will rain.”)
Watch out for false friends: Be careful not to confuse "know" with words that look similar but have different meanings (like "no" – which means "not").

Resources for Further Learning:

Grammarly Blog - How to Use "Know": https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-vs-think/
Merriam-Webster - Know: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

What specifically are you struggling with when using "know"? (e.g., choosing the right tense, using it in a phrasal verb, understanding the different meanings?)

Synonyms for the word know

Idioms of the word know

as far as I know | as far as I can remember, see, tell, etc.

used to say that you think you know, remember, understand, etc. something but you cannot be completely sure, especially because you do not know all the facts

As far as we knew, there was no cause for concern.
As far as I can see, you've done nothing wrong.
She lived in Chicago, as far as I can remember.

before you know where you are

very quickly or suddenly

We were whisked off in a taxi before we knew where we were.

be not to know

to have no way of realizing or being aware that you have done something wrong

‘I'm sorry, I called when you were in bed.’ ‘Don't worry—you weren't to know.’

better the devil you know (than the devil you don’t)

(saying)used to say that it is easier and wiser to stay in a bad situation that you know and can deal with rather than change to a new situation that may be much worse

for all you, I, they, etc. know

(informal)used to emphasize that you do not know something and that it is not important to you

She could be dead for all I know.

God/goodness/Heaven knows

used to emphasize that you do not know something

God knows what else they might find.
‘Where are they?’ ‘Goodness knows.’

used to emphasize the truth of what you are saying

She ought to pass the exam—goodness knows she's been working hard enough.

have/know all the answers

(informal, often disapproving)to be confident that you know something, especially when you actually do not

He thinks he knows all the answers.

have/know something off pat

to know something perfectly so that you can repeat it at any time without having to think about it

He had all the answers off pat.

have seen/known better days

(humorous)to be in poor condition

Our car has seen better days!

I don’t know how, why, etc…

(informal)used to criticize somebody’s behaviour

I don't know how you can say things like that.

if (the) truth be known/told

used to tell somebody the true facts about a situation, especially when these are not known by other people

If the truth be known, I was afraid to tell anyone.

I know

used to agree with somebody or to show sympathy

‘What a ridiculous situation!’ ‘I know.’

used to introduce a new idea or suggestion

I know, let's see what's on at the theatre.

know something as well as I do

used to criticize somebody by saying that they should realize or understand something

You know as well as I do that you're being unreasonable.

know somebody/something backwards

(especially British English, informal)to know somebody/something extremely well

She must know the play backwards by now.

know best

to know what should be done, etc. better than other people

The doctor told you to stay in bed, and she knows best.

know better (than that/than to do something)

to be sensible enough not to do something

He knows better than to judge by appearances.

know somebody by sight

to recognize somebody without knowing them well

know different/otherwise

(informal)to have information or evidence that the opposite is true

He says he doesn't care about what the critics write, but I know different.

know full well

to be very aware of a fact and unable to deny or ignore it

He knew full well what she thought of it.

know somebody/something inside out | know somebody/something like the back of your hand

(informal)to be very familiar with somebody/something

This is where I grew up. I know this area like the back of my hand.

know your own mind

to have very clear and definite ideas about what you want to do

know your stuff

(informal)to know a lot about a particular subject or job

know/tell somebody a thing or two (about somebody/something)

(informal)to know/tell somebody some useful, interesting or surprising information about somebody/something

She's been married five times, so she knows a thing or two about men!

know/learn/find something to your cost

to know something because of something unpleasant that has happened to you

She is a tough competitor, as I know to my cost.

know your way around

to be familiar with a place, subject, etc.

know what you’re talking about

(informal)to have knowledge about something from your own experience

I worked there for 20 years, so I know what I'm talking about.

know which side your bread is buttered

(informal)to know where you can get an advantage for yourself

let it be known/make it known that…

(formal)to make sure that people are informed about something, especially by getting somebody else to tell them

The President has let it be known that he does not intend to run for election again.

let somebody know

to tell somebody about something

I don't know if I can come, but I'll let you know tomorrow.
Let me know how I can help.
Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

Lord knows…

used to emphasize what you are saying

Lord knows, I tried to teach her.

Lord (only) knows (what, where, why, etc.)…

(informal)used to say that you do not know the answer to something

‘Why did she say that?’ ‘Lord knows!’

make yourself known to somebody

to introduce yourself to somebody

I made myself known to the hotel manager.

not know any better

to behave badly, usually because you have not been taught the correct way to behave

Don’t blame the children—they don’t know any better.

not know your arse from your elbow

(British English, offensive, slang)to be very stupid; to have absolutely no skill

not know beans about something

(North American English, informal)to know nothing about a subject

I don’t know beans about making movies.

not know the first thing about somebody/something

to know nothing at all about somebody/something

I’m afraid I don’t know the first thing about cars.

not know, etc. the first thing about something/somebody

to know nothing at all about something/somebody

We’ve lived next to him for years, but we still don’t know the first thing about him.

not know somebody from Adam

(informal)to not know at all who somebody is

not know what hit you

(informal)to be so surprised by something that you do not know how to react

not know where to look

(informal)to feel very embarrassed and not know how to react

not know whether you’re coming or going

(informal)to be so excited or confused that you cannot behave or think in a sensible way

not know you are born

(British English, informal)to have an easy life without realizing how easy it is

You people without kids don't know you're born.

not want to know (about something)

(informal)to take no interest in something because you do not care about it or it is too much trouble

I've tried to ask her advice, but she doesn't want to know (= about my problems).
‘How much was it?’ ‘You don't want to know’ (= it is better if you don't know).

old enough to know better

old enough to behave in a more sensible way than you actually did

show somebody/know/learn the ropes

(informal)to show somebody/know/learn how a particular job should be done

there’s no knowing

used to say that it is impossible to say what might happen

There's no knowing how he'll react.

what does… know?

used to say that somebody knows nothing about the subject you are talking about

What does he know about football, anyway?

what do you know?

(informal)used to express surprise

Well, what do you know? Look who's here!

(know) what’s what

(informal)(know) what things are useful, important, etc.

She certainly knows what's what.

you know

used when you are thinking of what to say next

Well, you know, it's difficult to explain.

used to show that what you are referring to is known or understood by the person you are speaking to

Guess who I've just seen? Maggie! You know—Jim's wife.
You know that restaurant round the corner? It's closed down.

used to emphasize something that you are saying

I'm not stupid, you know.

you know something/what?

(informal)used to introduce an interesting or surprising opinion, piece of news, etc.

You know something? I've never really enjoyed Christmas.

you know who/what

(informal)used to refer to somebody/something without mentioning a name

you never know

(informal)used to say that you can never be certain about what will happen in the future, especially when you are suggesting that something good might happen

Practice with vocabulary know

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

It is essential for project managers to __________ the critical path of a project to ensure timely delivery.
After reviewing the complex financial report, she struggled to __________ the full implications of the budget deficit.
Do you __________ anyone who specializes in data analytics for this particular industry?
The team became __________ of the impending deadline only an hour before the submission time.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

To effectively manage international projects, it is crucial to __________ cultural nuances. a) memorize b) know c) recall d) apprehend
The executive assistant needs to __________ the company's organizational structure and its key personnel. a) be familiar with b) know c) comprehend d) recognize
I don't __________ how to operate this new software feature; could you show me? a) understand b) know c) grasp d) perceive
Despite extensive training, some employees still struggle to __________ the complex algorithms used in the data analysis. a) apprehend b) discern c) grasp d) comprehend
The security system is designed to __________ unauthorized access attempts immediately. a) be aware of b) detect c) identify d) perceive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Original: It is common for new employees to lack an understanding of the company's internal policies. Rewrite: New employees often do not __________ the company's internal policies.
Original: Her extensive experience in project management made her the ideal candidate for the leadership role. Rewrite: She was the ideal candidate for the leadership role due to her considerable __________ in project management.
Original: Even with the detailed instructions, I couldn't fully make sense of the new system's operational flow. Rewrite: Even with the detailed instructions, I couldn't fully __________ the new system's operational flow.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

know
comprehend
know
aware

Exercise 2:

b) know
a) be familiar with, b) know
b) know
c) grasp, d) comprehend
b) detect, c) identify

Exercise 3:

New employees often do not know the company's internal policies.
She was the ideal candidate for the leadership role due to her considerable knowledge in project management.
Even with the detailed instructions, I couldn't fully understand the new system's operational flow.