Having known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Having known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a prior experience or knowledge about someone or something, often in a context where that knowledge is relevant to the current situation. Example: "Having known her for many years, I can confidently say she is a trustworthy friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Having known them since he was a child, he automatically waves back.

The New York Times

Having known Imelda Marcos doesn't make it easy to play her.

The New York Times

Having known little about him beforehand, I can say that my respect is now rock-solid.

The New York Times

Having known him for years at Leicester, it is a rarity to see him smile.

The Guardian - Sport

Having known DJ's mother for seven years now, I'd say that's accurate.

The New York Times

Having known the president now for seven or eight years, it didn't sound like him.

Huffington Post

Having known poverty as a kid, he could handle himself on the streets.

Huffington Post

Having known him for years, I believe special counsel Mueller is a very good thing.

Huffington Post

We are better having known him.

The New York Times

We are better people having known you.

The New York Times

We are better for having known you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Having known" to clearly establish that past knowledge influences a present action or understanding. It creates a direct link between prior awareness and current perspective.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the subject immediately following "Having known" is the one who possesses the knowledge. For example, instead of "Having known for years, the decision was easy", write "Having known him for years, I made the decision easily".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Having known" functions as a participial phrase, typically acting as an adjective modifying the subject of the main clause. As Ludwig suggests, it indicates a prior experience or knowledge influencing the current situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Having known" is a grammatically sound and frequently used participial phrase that clarifies actions or perspectives based on prior experiences. Ludwig confirms its usability and offers alternatives like "being acquainted with" to enrich expression. While versatile, it's important to avoid misplaced modifiers to maintain clarity. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal contexts, "Having known" serves as a valuable tool for adding depth and justification to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Being familiar with

Highlights a state of knowing something well.

Being acquainted with

Emphasizes familiarity through association or introduction.

Previously knowing

Emphasizes that the knowledge existed at an earlier time.

Having awareness of

Stresses the state of being conscious or informed.

With prior knowledge of

Highlights the existing information before an event.

Knowing beforehand

Focuses on the timing of the knowledge acquisition.

Having experience with

Highlights the practical engagement or exposure.

Being previously informed of

Stresses the act of being told or notified.

Because I knew

Shifts the phrase into a causal explanation, emphasizing the 'why'.

Since I was aware of

Implies an understanding over a period of time influencing a decision.

FAQs

How to use "Having known" in a sentence?

You can use "Having known" to indicate a prior experience or knowledge that influences a subsequent action or understanding. For example: "Having known him for years, I trusted his judgment."

What can I say instead of "Having known"?

You can use alternatives like "being acquainted with", "being familiar with", or "with prior knowledge of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Having knew" instead of "Having known"?

No, "Having knew" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past participle form of "know" is "known". Therefore, the correct phrase is "Having known".

What's the difference between "Having known" and "Knowing"?

"Having known" emphasizes a completed action in the past that has relevance to the present. "Knowing", on the other hand, can refer to a state of awareness without necessarily implying a prior action or completed experience. For example, "Having known the risks, I proceeded cautiously" versus "Knowing the risks, I proceeded cautiously" (both are correct but give different nuances).