I already know

USAGE SUMMARY

"I already know" is correct and can be used in written English.
You might use it in a sentence such as, "I already know the answer, but I still want to hear what you have to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unless I already know them.

Independent

I already know it".

The Guardian - Sport

I already know I want the cheesecake".

The New York Times

I already know what he's thinking.

The New Yorker

I already know not to do that.

Independent

(I think I already know the answer).

The New York Times

I already know she is.

The Guardian - Opinion

Actually, some I already know.

The New York Times

I feel I already know.

The Guardian - Books

I already know that story.

The New Yorker

"Because I already know that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I already know" to indicate prior awareness or understanding of a topic, avoiding redundancy in conversation or writing. It's best to follow with details to demonstrate your understanding.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I already know" without showing you understand the implications. This can come across as dismissive or arrogant. Instead, elaborate briefly on what you know to assure the speaker you understand the information's relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I already know" functions as a declarative statement, asserting the speaker's prior knowledge or awareness of something. This is confirmed by Ludwig and numerous examples, showcasing its use in expressing understanding or familiarity with a particular subject or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I already know" is a very common expression used to assert prior knowledge or understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, it primarily serves to inform, dismiss, or indicate readiness. While generally neutral in register, its perceived tone can vary. To prevent sounding dismissive, it's important to provide brief context or details that reinforce your comprehension. Alternatives like ""I'm already aware"" or "I was "previously informed"" can soften the tone in formal settings. The examples from Ludwig highlight the phrase's versatility and importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am already aware

Uses "aware" instead of "know", implying consciousness of information.

I know that already

Reorders the sentence to emphasize "that" which is known.

I'm previously informed

Uses "previously informed" to suggest prior knowledge.

I am up to speed

Suggests being fully informed and current on a topic.

I have prior knowledge of that

Formal way to indicate existing awareness of something.

That information is already in my possession

A more formal way to indicate awareness, suggesting the information is already acquired.

It's old news to me

Informal way of saying the information is not new.

I've been briefed on that

Suggests someone provided the information beforehand.

I'm conversant with that

Indicates familiarity with a topic, implying knowledge and understanding.

I am not ignorant of that

Formal and emphatic way of saying one is aware.

FAQs

How can I use "I already know" in a sentence?

You can use "I already know" to indicate that you are aware of something, for example: "I already know the answer, so you don't need to explain it again." or "I already know about the meeting next week".

What's a less direct way of saying "I already know"?

Instead of saying "I already know", you could say "I'm "already aware" of that", or "I was "previously informed"" to soften the statement.

Is it rude to say "I already know"?

It can be perceived as rude if said abruptly. To be more polite, acknowledge the speaker's effort and then use the phrase, like: "Yes, thank you, "I'm already aware" of that."

Are there more formal alternatives to "I already know"?

In formal contexts, consider phrases like "I have "prior knowledge" of that", or "That information is "already in my possession"" to sound more professional.