Who knows

USAGE SUMMARY

"who knows" is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It is used to express uncertainty when the speaker has no idea what the answer is to a given question. For example, "What's the capital of Peru? Who knows?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who knows you best?

The New York Times

" 'Who knows'?" I said.

The New Yorker

"Who knows?" he says.

The New Yorker

"Who knows," she added.

The New York Times

Who knows any more?

Independent

"Who knows," he replied.

The New Yorker

Who knows for sure?

The New Yorker

Who knows why, exactly?

The New Yorker

Who knows why?

The New York Times - Arts

Who knows what's true?

The New York Times

Who knows about them?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "who knows" to introduce an element of uncertainty or to express that the answer to a question is not readily available. It adds a touch of rhetorical flair and acknowledges the limits of current knowledge.

Common error

While "who knows" is useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or evasive. Vary your expressions of uncertainty with alternatives like "it's uncertain" or "nobody can say for sure."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "who knows" functions primarily as an interrogative expression used rhetorically to indicate uncertainty or lack of knowledge about a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical status, supporting its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "who knows" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both neutral and informal settings, more formal situations might benefit from more direct alternatives. Remember to vary your expressions of uncertainty to avoid repetition and ensure your writing remains engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nobody knows

Emphasises that no person has the information or answer.

It's anyone's guess

Indicates that the outcome is uncertain and open to speculation.

Your guess is as good as mine

Implies that the speaker has no more knowledge than the listener.

There's no telling

Suggests that the future or outcome is unpredictable.

It remains to be seen

Highlights that the situation is still developing and the outcome is uncertain.

The future is uncertain

Directly states the unpredictability of future events.

It's up in the air

Indicates that the decision or outcome is not yet settled.

Only time will tell

Suggests that the answer will be revealed in the future.

One can only speculate

Implies that any answer would be based on guesswork.

The answer is unknown

Simply states that the answer is not currently known.

FAQs

How can I use "who knows" in a sentence?

You can use "who knows" as a rhetorical question to indicate that the answer to something is unknown or uncertain. For example, "Will it rain tomorrow? "Who knows"?"

What are some alternatives to using "who knows"?

Alternatives include "nobody knows", "it's anyone's guess", or "there's no telling". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "who knows" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "who knows" is more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using a more direct and less conversational phrase like "the answer remains uncertain" or "it is not yet known".

What does it mean when someone says "who knows?"

It typically means the person does not know the answer to a question or is suggesting that the outcome is unpredictable. It can also imply that anything is possible.