I think you know

USAGE SUMMARY

"I think you know" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is often used as an indication that the speaker believes the person they are talking to understands something, either because of their prior knowledge or because the speaker has already told them. For example: "I think you know how I feel about this issue; I've spent a lot of time talking about my concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I think you know.

The New York Times - Sports

I think you know the answer.

The New Yorker

I think you know that.

The New York Times

I think you know why.

The Guardian - Tech

Secretly I think you know that.

The Guardian

I think you know it is.

The New Yorker

But I think you know that.

The New Yorker

I think you know what I know.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And I think, you know, no.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I think you know this about me.

The Guardian

I think, you know, whatever makes her happy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In persuasive writing, use "I think you know" to build rapport by subtly acknowledging the reader's intelligence and understanding of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "I think you know" excessively, as it can become repetitive and weaken your writing. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think you know" functions as a hedge, softening a statement or question by implying shared understanding. As shown in Ludwig, it suggests the speaker believes the listener possesses certain knowledge, making the communication less direct and potentially more persuasive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I think you know" is a versatile phrase used to imply shared knowledge and build rapport. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across a range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse situations, overuse should be avoided to prevent redundancy. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "I think you know" into your writing and speech to enhance communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I assume you're aware

Focuses on the assumption of awareness, rather than the speaker's belief.

You probably already know

Highlights the likelihood of prior knowledge.

I'm sure you're familiar with

Emphasizes familiarity with a topic or concept.

It's likely you already understand

Suggests a pre-existing understanding.

You must know

Conveys a stronger sense of certainty about the listener's knowledge.

I imagine you're informed

Focuses on the listener being informed on the matter.

I expect you're aware

Indicates an expectation of awareness.

As you may already be aware

Introduces information with a nod to potential prior knowledge.

It is probably known to you

It uses a more formal register.

Presumably, you know

Uses 'presumably' to indicate assumption of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "I think you know" in a sentence?

You can use "I think you know" to imply shared knowledge or understanding. For example, "I think you know the importance of this decision, so I trust you'll make the right choice."

What's a more formal alternative to "I think you know"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I assume you are aware" or "as you may already be aware".

Is it ever inappropriate to use "I think you know"?

Using "I think you know" might be inappropriate if the listener is clearly unfamiliar with the topic or if it's used in a condescending manner. Always consider your audience and the context.

What's the difference between "I think you know" and "I know you know"?

"I think you know" expresses a belief or assumption, while "I know you know" expresses certainty about the other person's knowledge. The former is less assertive.