I knowingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I knowingly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you are aware of something and have made a conscious decision regarding it. Example: "I knowingly accepted the terms of the agreement, understanding the implications involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"I knowingly tweaked the facts".

The New York Times - Books

Do I knowingly shirk my childcare responsibilities?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or worse, am I knowingly perpetrating a lie?

The New York Times

"I knowingly have been preparing for Bud most of my life," said Mr. Miller, a Texas native.

The New York Times

These were on top of fees I knowingly paid for preferred seating on planes, in-flight Internet, changing tickets and simply printing boarding passes.

The New York Times - Travel

"I knowingly, willfully and corruptly agreed to accept and did accept, cash bribes," he said in Federal Court in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Is knowingly violating the law always an evil thing to do? …No.

TechCrunch

Is it knowingly or accidentally ironic that Kristen Stewart, playing the diva's dowdy PA with piercing, inquisitive clarity, winds up stealing the film from under La Binoche's nose?

The Guardian - Film

When I am in the midst of non-comprehending, I merely smile (knowingly, i hope) and say 'si, si, si'; somehow this ploy (what do I think I am getting away with?) seems to work, for the most part.

Huffington Post

I don't think I have knowingly broken the law.

The Guardian

"If I'm knowingly giving you money, I'm not allowed to do that," Stallings said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I knowingly" to clearly state your awareness and conscious decision-making in a particular situation, ensuring the context makes it clear what you were aware of and what the implications were.

Common error

Avoid using "I knowingly" too frequently in formal or professional writing, as it can sometimes sound accusatory or defensive. Opt for alternatives like "I was aware that" or "I understood" to maintain a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I knowingly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating that the action was performed with awareness and intent. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I knowingly" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that an action was taken with full awareness and understanding of its implications. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English, particularly in News & Media. While primarily neutral in tone, it can sometimes lean toward formal depending on the context. Related phrases include "I am aware that" and "I consciously", which can offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. Be mindful of the context to avoid overuse in overly formal situations, opting for more neutral alternatives as appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I consciously

Focuses on the conscious decision-making aspect.

I deliberately

Highlights the intentional nature of the action.

I intentionally

Similar to deliberately, but may imply a specific purpose.

I am aware that

Replaces "knowingly" with a more explicit statement of awareness.

I willingly

Highlights the voluntary aspect of the action.

I am cognizant that

A more formal way of expressing awareness.

With full knowledge

Emphasizes the completeness of the awareness

I understood that

Emphasizes past comprehension and acceptance.

I was mindful that

Indicates consideration and attention to something.

I of my own volition

Highlights the voluntary nature of the action as well, but using more formal language.

FAQs

What does "I knowingly" mean?

The phrase "I knowingly" means that the speaker was aware of the facts, circumstances, or potential consequences of their actions and proceeded with a conscious understanding.

How can I use "I knowingly" in a sentence?

You can use "I knowingly" to express that you were aware of something and made a conscious decision regarding it. For instance, "I knowingly accepted the risk involved in the project".

What can I say instead of "I knowingly"?

You can use alternatives like "I am aware that", "I consciously", or "I deliberately" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I knowingly" or "I was aware that"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "I knowingly" implies a direct and conscious choice, while "I was aware that" simply acknowledges knowledge. The better choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.