all but knowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all but knowing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is very close to understanding something but has not fully grasped it yet. Example: "She was all but knowing the answer to the riddle, as the clues were becoming clearer with each hint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I don't know what made him choose to end it all, but knowing what I knew of him through his art, I understand.

Huffington Post

He's also taken to backing companies started by Cisco stars, all but knowing he'll buy them.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

You don't have to be stressed all the time, but knowing if you are the kind of rep who works better under a deadline or you need to plan ahead to be productive can improve your mental functions and your overall performance.

Huffington Post

"I don't know what the whole situation is with who is starting and all that, but knowing that he's on the same page with us makes everything feel great".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a job we all chose, but knowing that doesn't really help.

Independent

A lot of pomp and circumstance -- it was a government affair, after all -- but knowing the monumental effort that had gone into the murals, to me, no ceremony would've seemed too grand.

Huffington Post

I think we all believed it, but knowing that we've done it, we can draw on that experience".

The New York Times - Sports

Judging from the Reuters video below, the first results aren't all that great, but knowing the Japanese, the brain scan technology might work really well one day.

TechCrunch

"Older folks feel like the young people have it all figured out, but knowing how to use something technically is definitely different to understanding the complications of using or not using certain platforms, the pressures of using or not using them.

Vice

Take a clock for example, anyone can read the time, but knowing how all the gears interlock will change your perspective of the watch. .

Vice

I know, that may be naïve and here is evidence that sucralose is not all that safe (see also here and here), but, knowing all that, I make an informed decision to take that risk and enjoy my artificially sweetened soda.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all but knowing", ensure the context makes it clear what the subject is close to understanding or what outcome is nearly certain.

Common error

Avoid using "all but knowing" when the situation is merely possible or probable, not nearly certain. It indicates a very high degree of confidence, so using it in weaker contexts dilutes its meaning. Instead, use phrases like "likely", "possible" or "potentially".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but knowing" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the extent or degree to which someone knows something or the degree of certainty of a condition. It suggests a state that is just shy of complete knowledge. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all but knowing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a near-certainty or a state of almost complete understanding. As Ludwig AI notes, its usability in written English is confirmed. While not overly common, it finds its primary usage in news, media, and general writing, providing a subtle way to convey a high degree of probability without absolute confirmation. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the degree of certainty you wish to express, avoiding its use in situations that are only remotely possible. Alternative phrases like "almost certain" or "virtually certain" can offer similar meanings, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost understanding

Focuses on the process of gaining knowledge and being on the verge of complete comprehension.

almost certain

Indicates a very high degree of probability, close to being completely sure.

nearly certain

Indicates a state of being close to certainty, but with a slight reservation.

practically sure

Highlights the practical reality of being certain, based on available evidence.

virtually certain

Emphasizes the high probability of something occurring, focusing on the near certainty.

virtually aware

Similar to "all but knowing" but focuses on the state of being aware or conscious.

just about knowing

Emphasizes the nearness of understanding something fully.

pretty much knowing

Informal way to express a high degree of certainty or understanding.

essentially knowing

Implies that the core understanding is present, even if details are lacking.

tantamount to knowing

Suggests that the situation is equivalent to having knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "all but knowing" in a sentence?

You can use "all but knowing" to indicate a near certainty or a state of almost understanding something. For example, "They host Liechtenstein next, knowing victory will "all but secure" automatic qualification."

What phrases are similar to "all but knowing"?

Phrases with similar meanings include "almost certain", "virtually certain", or "practically sure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "all but knowing" a formal or informal expression?

"All but knowing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in news, media, and general writing rather than highly formal academic or scientific writing.

What's the difference between "all but knowing" and "knowing"?

"Knowing" implies complete understanding or certainty, while "all but knowing" suggests a state very close to complete understanding or certainty but not quite there. The phrase "all but knowing" suggests a high probability or likelihood.