KNOW

verb [I or T, not continuous ] A1 • synonyms: be aware of, understand, realize • know something about someone/something; know (that)...; know how/what/where/when/why... • freq in AmE: 10/10

(HAVE INFORMATION) to have information, facts, or awareness about something in your mind; to be certain or sure about something

verb [T ] A1 • synonyms: be acquainted with, be familiar with • get to know someone/something; know someone/something well; know someone for years • freq in AmE: 10/10

(BE FAMILIAR WITH) to be familiar or acquainted with a person, place, or thing through experience or contact💡This meaning is about familiarity through experience, not just information.

grammar pattern with know verb [I ] A2 (know-knew-known) 💡The word "that" is optional and often omitted in informal speech: "I know she's coming." • freq in AmE: 10/10

to have information or be aware of a fact, often introducing a clause stating what you know

grammar pattern with know verb [I ] A2 (know-knew-known) • know what/where/how/why/when/who..., etc. [know + question words] • freq in AmE: 10/10

to have information about a specific question word (what, where, how, why, when, who)

grammar pattern with know verb [I or T ] A2 • know (much/a lot/little/nothing/anything/something) about something • what do you know about...?; I don't know much about...; she knows a lot about...; do you know anything about...? • freq in AmE: 10/10

to have information or knowledge concerning a particular topic or subject; this construction emphasizes general knowledge or familiarity with a topic rather than specific facts

grammar pattern with know verb [I ] A2 (know-knew-known) • know of any... ⚠️Note: "Know of" = aware of existence. "Know" = personal familiarity. This is DIFFERENT from just "know": "I know him" = personal familiarity, "I know of him" = aware he exists.

to be aware that someone or something exists; to have heard about someone or something (but not necessarily know them/it well)

grammar pattern with know verb [I ] A2 (know-knew-known)💡"Know how to" expresses ability/skill. Often interchangeable with "can" but emphasizes learned knowledge • freq in AmE: 10/10

to have the knowledge, skill, or ability to do something; to be able to do something

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] A2 (know-knew-known) • take time to get to know someone; want to get to know someone; we got to know each other • freq in AmE: 10/10

to gradually become familiar or acquainted with someone; to learn about someone through interaction

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] A2 (know-knew-known) • let me know when...; please let her know...; I'll let you know...; let us know if... • freq in AmE: 10/10

to inform or tell someone something; to make someone aware of information

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] A2 (know-knew-known) • freq in AmE: 9/10

to be very familiar with someone or something; to have deep or thorough knowledge

idiom C2 • should know better; old enough to know better💡Often used to criticize or express disappointment when someone does something they shouldn't • freq in AmE: 8/10

to be wise or experienced enough not to do something foolish; to have learned from experience

collocation with know verb [I ] B1 (know-knew-known)💡"For sure" and "for certain" are interchangeable and emphasize absolute certainty. • freq in AmE: 9/10

to be completely certain or confident about something; to have no doubt

collocation with know verb [I or T ] A1 (know-knew-known)💡One of THE most common phrases in English. Often shortened to "I dunno" in casual speech • freq in AmE: 10/10

a common phrase expressing lack of knowledge or information; used when you don't have an answer

collocation with know verb [I ] A1 (know-knew-known)💡Very common conversational filler. Not literally asking if they know - just a speech habit • freq in AmE: 10/10

a conversational filler used to check understanding, emphasize a point, or fill pauses in speech

collocation with know verb [I ] A1 (know-knew-known) 💡"As far as I know" = within my knowledge limits. "As you know" = referencing shared knowledge. • freq in AmE: 10/10

phrases used to indicate the limits of one's knowledge or to reference shared knowledge

idiomatic phrase with know verb [I ] B1 (know-knew-known)💡Often used to encourage someone or express hope that something good might happen despite uncertainty • freq in AmE: 9/10

a phrase expressing that future outcomes are uncertain; anything could happen

idiom, exclamation with know verb [I ] B1 (know-knew-known)💡This is NOT literally asking what they know - it's an exclamation of surprise. Similar to "would you look at that!"

an informal expression of surprise or amazement; used when encountering something unexpected

idiom with know verb [I ] B1 rhetorical question • synonym: how am I supposed to know? • freq in AmE: 9/10

a rhetorical question expressing that you have no way of knowing something; often used defensively or with irritation💡This is rhetorical - not actually asking HOW to know. Often implies mild irritation or defensiveness.

collocation with know verb [I ] B2 (know-knew-known)💡 often used in passive voice • be known to be something • freq in AmE: 8/10

to have knowledge or understanding that someone or something has a particular quality or characteristic

collocation with know verb [I ] B2 (know-knew-known)💡often used in passive voice • be known to do something • freq in AmE: 8/10

to have knowledge or evidence that someone or something performs a particular action or has a tendency to act in a certain way

collocation with know verb [I ] B2💡often used in passive voice ⚠️This is a more formal construction than simple "know that they have..." This appears in: formal descriptions, professional contexts, geographical facts, and character references.

to have knowledge that someone or something possesses a particular quality, feature, or characteristic💡More formal construction. Often used in formal writing or professional contexts.

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] A2 (know-knew-known) • 💡know + common quantifiers: something (positive statements), anything (questions/negatives), nothing (complete lack), a little/a lot (specific amounts) + about + topic/person • US freq: 10/10

to have some information or knowledge concerning a person, topic, or situation (emphasizes partial or specific knowledge)

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] B2 💡 The “to” is OPTIONAL. “I’ve never known it snow” = “I’ve never known it to snow.” Both are correct.

to have experience or awareness of someone or something performing an action (the “to” is optional)

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] B1 passive voice • this period is known as...; the city is known as... • freq in AmE: 10/10

to be called, referred to, or recognized by a particular name, title, or description

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] B2 passive voice 💡 It is an extended form of “be known as” that specifies WHO recognizes or calls the person/thing by that name or description.

to be recognized or called by a particular name or description by specific people

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] B2 passive voice

to be identified or recognized by a particular characteristic, feature, or name

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] B2 passive voice 💡 Often with “has/have been known to...” This suggests occasional or characteristic behavior, not always.

to have a reputation or be recognized for doing something (often habitually or characteristically)

collocation with know verb [T ] A1 • synonyms: have the solution, have the correct response • (already) know the answer to that question; someone (always) knows (all) the answers; I wish I knew the answer; if you know the (correct) answer

to have the correct response or solution to a question or problem

collocation with know verb [T ] A1 • (already) know the answer to that question; someone (always) knows (all) the answers; I wish I knew the answer; if you know the (correct) answer; how do you know the answer

to have the correct response or solution to a question or problem

collocation with know verb [I ] A2 question phrase • synonyms: what's your source?, how can you tell? • How did you know?; How do you know she's...?; How do you know that's...? • freq in AmE: 10/10

a question asking for the source or basis of someone's knowledge or information💡Can be genuinely curious about the source OR skeptical/challenging the claim.

collocation with know verb [I ] A2 • synonyms: understand reality, be aware of the facts • know the whole truth; know the truth about... • freq in AmE: 10/10

to be aware of the real facts or reality of a situation; to understand what really happened

collocation with know verb [T ] A2 • synonyms: distinguish, tell apart, understand the distinction • freq in AmE: 10/10

to understand how two or more things are not the same; to be able to distinguish between things

collocation with know verb [I or T ] B1 • synonyms: be absolutely certain, have definite knowledge • know for a fact that...; know for a fact he...

to be absolutely certain about something based on definite knowledge or evidence

collocation with know verb [I or T ] B1 • synonyms: be perfectly aware, know very well • know full well what...

to be completely aware of something (often used when someone is pretending not to know or ignoring the truth)💡Often implies criticism or frustration - suggesting someone knows but pretends otherwise.

collocation with know verb [I or T ] B1 • synonyms: have memorized, know from memory

to have memorized something completely; to remember something perfectly without needing to read or refer to it

collocation with know verb [T ] A2 • synonyms: know the route, know how to get there • know the way to (a place); know the way home; know the way back; know the way out

to be familiar with the route or method to get somewhere; to understand the path or procedure💡Can be literal (physical route) or figurative (method/approach).

collocation with know verb [T ] A2 • synonyms: know how to get home, know the route home⚠️"Home" is used WITHOUT "to" - we say "know the way home" NOT "know the way to home."

to be familiar with the route back to one's house or place of residence

collocation with know verb [T ] A2 • synonyms: know the return route, know how to get back • know the way back to...

to be familiar with the route for returning to a previous location or starting point

collocation with know verb [T ] A2 • synonyms: know the exit, know how to get out • know the way out of something/somewhere

to be familiar with the route to exit a place; can be literal (physical exit) or figurative (solution to a problem)

collocation with know verb [T ] A2 • synonyms: know the route to, know how to get to ⚠️Note: Exception: "know the way HOME" (without "to"). We say "know the way home" NOT "know the way to home."

to be familiar with the route to reach a specific location or destination

collocation with know verb [T ] B1 idiom • synonyms: know how to win their heart, understand what they love • freq in AmE: 8/10

to know how to win someone's love, affection, or favor; to understand what makes someone feel loved or appreciated

collocation with know verb [I ] A2 • synonyms: understand how it operates, understand the mechanism • know how it works💡Emphasizes technical/mechanical understanding - how something operates or functions • freq in AmE: 10/10

to understand the mechanism, process, or system by which something operates or functions

collocation with know verb [T ] B1 • synonyms: understand their style, recognize their approach • know the way it works💡Emphasizes personal/characteristic approach - not just technical mechanism but individual style • freq in AmE: 9/10

to understand someone's characteristic style, manner, or approach to doing something; how they personally operate

collocation with know verb [T ] B1⚠️ "A way" suggests ONE possible method among others - less definitive than "the way." Often used when brainstorming or offering help. More humble/open than "know THE way" - acknowledges other possibilities.

to be aware of a method or approach for accomplishing something (using "a" suggests one possible method among others)

idiom informal B1 • synonym: How was I supposed to know? ⚠️Both forms are nearly identical in meaning. "How was I to know?" is slightly more formal/literary; "How could I know?" is slightly more casual. Both are rhetorical and defensive.

rhetorical questions expressing that there was no way for the speaker to have known something; used defensively when being blamed or criticized

collocation with know verb [I or T ] B1 US (UK know something/someone inside out) • synonyms: know thoroughly, know completely, know every detail • they know each other inside and out • freq in AmE: 9/10

to know something extremely well; to be completely familiar with every detail or aspect

collocation with know verb [I or T ] B1 • synonyms: be personally acquainted with, have personal contact with • I know of him (but not personally) • freq in AmE: 9/10

to be acquainted with someone through direct personal contact or relationship (not just by reputation or secondhand knowledge)

collocation with know verb [T ] A2 • synonyms: be familiar with the location, know the neighborhood • know the area well; do you know the area around...?; know the area better than... • freq in AmE: 9/10

to be familiar with a particular geographic location, neighborhood, or region

idiom B1 (also know your way around something) • synonyms: understand the procedures, know how things work, be experienced💡This is an IDIOM from sailing (knowing ship's ropes = being experienced). Means understanding procedures/system.

to understand how to do a job or activity; to be familiar with the procedures and methods (idiom)

idiom B1 • synonyms: be familiar with, know how to navigate, be comfortable in💡Can be LITERAL (physical place) or FIGURATIVE (system, skill area, topic).

to be familiar with a place or system; to know how to navigate or operate effectively

collocation with know verb [I ] B1 • know what I'm/he's/she's talking about

to have real knowledge or expertise about a subject; to speak from informed understanding (not ignorance) 💡Often used to assert or question someone's credibility/expertise on a topic.

collocation with know verb [T ] B1 informal • synonyms: be competent, be expert, be knowledgeable💡Informal expression. "Stuff" = subject area, field, or specialty. Used to praise competence.

to be knowledgeable and competent in your field or area; to have expertise (informal)

collocation with know verb [I or T ] A2 • synonyms: have moral judgment, understand morality, distinguish good from bad •

to understand the difference between moral and immoral behavior; to have moral judgment

collocation with know verb [I ] B1 • synonyms: understand the best course, know the right thing, have good judgment

to understand what is the most beneficial or appropriate course of action in a situation

idiom B1 informal • know each other like...💡Classic idiom. "Like the back of your hand" = as well as you know your own hand = extremely well.

to be extremely familiar with something; to know every detail (idiom)

idiom C2 ⚠️Note: This is the BASIC form. It has important extensions with different meanings: "know where you stand WITH someone" (relationship), "know... ON something" (opinion/stance), "know... IN something" (position in process/structure).

to understand your position, status, or situation generally (without specifying context)

idiom C2 ⚠️Note: WITH someone = about RELATIONSHIP. Different from ON (opinion) or IN (position in structure). This is about how someone regards you or your relationship status.

to understand your relationship with someone; to know how someone feels about you or regards you

idiom C2 ⚠️Note: ON something = about OPINION/STANCE on an issue. Different from WITH (relationship) or IN (position in structure). This is about what you believe or your position on a topic.

to know your opinion, position, or stance on an issue or topic

idiom C2 ⚠️Note: IN something = about POSITION in process/structure/hierarchy. Different from WITH (relationship) or ON (opinion). This is about where you are in a system, ranking, or process.

to know your position or status within a process, hierarchy, structure, or competition

collocation with know verb [I or T ] A2 empathy expression

an expression of empathy indicating you have experienced the same emotion or situation

collocation with know verb [I or T ] A2 empathy expression • I know how you feel about this; I know exactly how you feel

an expression of empathy indicating you understand someone's emotions from personal experience

collocation with know verb [I or T ] A2 empathy expression💡The structure is "I know how it/that feels" often followed by "to + verb/be + adjective." • I know how it feels to be...; I know how it feels to lose...

an expression indicating you understand how a situation or experience feels emotionally

collocation with know verb [I or T ] B1💡The structure is "know + what that's/it's like" often followed by "to + verb." "What THAT'S like" refers to a specific situation just mentioned, "what IT'S like" is more general.

to have personal experience of a particular situation; to understand through having been through it

collocation with know [I ] verb B1 idiom (also see where someone is coming from)

to understand someone's perspective, reasoning, or motivation; to see things from their point of view

collocation with know [T ] verb A2 • synonyms: have we met?, are we acquainted? • Do we know each other?; Do I know you from somewhere?

a question asking if you have met or been acquainted with someone before

collocation with know verb [I ] A2 conversational phrase • synonyms: guess what, here’s the thing, listen

a conversational phrase used to introduce a new thought, realization, or change of topic💡 NOT literally asking if they know something - it’s a conversation starter or attention-getter before making a point.

collocation with know verb [I ] A2 informal💡 Very casual/informal. Extremely common in spoken American English, especially among younger speakers. Shows emphatic agreement.

an informal expression of strong agreement, often expressing surprise that both people share the same opinion

collocation with know verb [I ] A2💡 Often shortened to “know what I mean?” or even “y’know what I mean?” Very common conversational filler.

a conversational filler checking if the listener understands or relates to what you’re saying

collocation with know verb [I ] B1 idiomatic expressions💡 NOT religious statements - these are idiomatic expressions of uncertainty or emphasis. Both forms are interchangeable.

expressions emphasizing that something is completely unknown, uncertain, or beyond understanding

collocation with know verb [I ] B1

a phrase indicating uncertainty or acknowledging limited knowledge about something💡 Means “as far as I know - but I really don’t know much.” Emphasizes limited knowledge and possibility.

collocation with know verb [I ] B1💡 Similar to “as far as I know” but emphasizes COLLECTIVE ignorance - nobody knows for certain, not just me.

a phrase indicating the limits of collective or general knowledge about something

collocation with know verb [I ] A2💡"aka" is the common abbreviation. Used for alternative names, nicknames, stage names, aliases, chemical names, etc.

used to introduce an alternative name, nickname, or alias for someone or something

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] A2 passive voice • synonyms: be famous for, be recognized for, be renowned for

to be famous or recognized for a particular quality, achievement, or characteristic

collocation with know verb [I or T ] A2 passive voice or adjective A2 • synonyms: be famous, be recognized, be renowned💡Can be used attributively (a well-known actor) or predicatively (he is well known). Hyphenated when used before noun.

to be famous or widely recognized

collocation with know verb B1 passive voice • synonyms: be generally known, be universally known, be well-established💡"Widely known" = known by many people/places. "Commonly known" = generally known/accepted. Both emphasize breadth of knowledge.

to be known by many people or in many places; to have broad recognition

grammar pattern with know verb [T ] B1 formal passive construction • it is widely/well known that...

a formal way to state established or recognized facts; used to introduce widely accepted information

collocation with know verb [I or T ] B1 passive voice (usually past tense "became known" for completed transitions) • become known as/for...; become known as a hero; become known for innovation; the truth finally became known

to gain recognition or fame; to start being recognized or discovered; emphasizes the process of becoming recognized - transition from unknown to known

collocation with know verb [I or T ] B1 passive voice • synonyms: be obscure, be unknown, be unfamiliar •

to be not widely recognized or familiar to many people; to have limited recognition

collocation with know verb [I or T ] B1 comparative passive voice💡Usually hyphenated (lesser-known). This is COMPARATIVE - less known than something else, not absolutely unknown. Often implies still worth knowing about.

to be less famous or recognized compared to something else; not as well known as alternatives