Knowing full well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Knowing full well" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is fully aware of a situation or the implications of their actions. Example: "He decided to go ahead with the plan, knowing full well the risks involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Knowing full well that Utrecht haven't scored in nearly two months, PSV sat back and cashed in their three points.

The Guardian - Sport

Knowing full well just how much the show is worth, Sony is looking for a small fortune here.

TechCrunch

(Knowing full well that it won't, so be polite).

WikiHow

To the Sports Editor: Knowing full well the deceitfulness.

The New York Times - Sports

I said 'Do I know you?' knowing full well that I had never seen her before".

Huffington Post

I winced at Dostum's claim knowing full well that Hekmayatar was known as the "acid thrower".

Huffington Post

What'd you think?" -- knowing full well they both love music.

WikiHow

"A new beginning," he said, knowing full well that the Knicks will lean on his experience.

The New York Times - Sports

"Remind me," he says, knowing full well who I am.

The New Yorker

As he writes in "Autobiography," knowing full well it's the pull quote, "I am impossible".

The New Yorker

I deferred to my doctor, knowing full well what that meant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Knowing full well" to emphasize that someone is not only aware of something, but also understands the implications or consequences of it. For example: He accepted the promotion, "knowing full well" it would require longer hours.

Common error

Avoid using "Knowing full well" when the awareness is superficial or incomplete. This phrase implies a deep and thorough understanding, so reserve it for situations where that level of awareness is genuinely present.

Linguistic Context

Knowing full well functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the actor's complete awareness of something. Ludwig examples show it frequently introducing a condition or consequence the actor is consciously accepting. It's an intensifier, adding emphasis to the knowledge possessed by the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Knowing full well" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize that an action is taken with complete awareness and understanding of the potential consequences. According to Ludwig, the phrase is primarily found in News & Media contexts, but it is also used in Wiki and Formal & Business settings. It carries a neutral to professional register, suitable for various forms of communication where stressing awareness is key. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a deep understanding rather than superficial awareness. Alternatives such as "fully aware" and "completely cognizant" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fully aware

This is a more concise way of expressing the same idea, omitting the verb.

Completely cognizant

This alternative uses more formal language to emphasize awareness.

Perfectly conscious of

This phrase highlights the state of being aware and mindful.

Acutely aware

This emphasizes a heightened sense of awareness.

With full knowledge

This alternative focuses on the possession of complete information.

Being fully informed

Similar to 'with full knowledge', but emphasizes the process of becoming aware.

Under no illusion

Highlights the absence of deception about a situation.

Being fully apprised of

A formal phrasing that suggests receiving complete details about something.

Having complete insight

Suggests a deeper understanding rather than just awareness.

Seeing clearly

This alternative offers a more figurative way to express full understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "Knowing full well" in a sentence?

Use "Knowing full well" to emphasize that someone is completely aware of the implications of their actions or a situation. For example, "She accepted the job, knowing full well the challenges it would bring."

What can I say instead of "Knowing full well"?

You can use alternatives like "fully aware", "completely cognizant", or "perfectly conscious of depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "Knowing full well" or "fully aware"?

"Knowing full well" can be considered slightly less formal than "fully aware" depending on the surrounding context. "Fully aware" presents a more direct statement of knowledge, while "Knowing full well" has a slightly more narrative tone.

What's the difference between "Knowing full well" and "suspecting"?

"Knowing full well" implies certainty and complete understanding, while "suspecting" implies a belief or hunch without concrete proof. "Knowing full well" indicates confirmed awareness, unlike suspecting.