but none knows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'but none knows' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase to show that though many people may be aware of something, no one knows or understands the full details or implications. For example, "Many people have heard the story of King Arthur, but none knows how much of it is true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Each of the cousins knows a lot about the others, but none knows everything.

The Guardian - Books

Few believe that the standard model is really a theory of everything, but none knows for certain what the next step the equivalent of Planck's paper will actually be.

The Economist

As publicist Stefan Kisielewski wrote in his diary two days after Siwiec's death, "There are rumours about a self-immolation [during the festival] but none knows the reason for it".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some knew the name of the prime minister, but none knew what his title was.

The Guardian

Several aides said they expected him to resign on Wednesday, but none knew for certain what would happen.

The New York Times

Various investigations were thwarted by a lack of cooperation — Lehr wrote that nearly 60 officers on the scene filed reports about the events of Jan . 25 , 1995but none knew what happened to Cox.

The New York Times - Sports

It acquired Vine in October, and many figured that the site would implement it in some way, but none knew what immediate impact it would have.

TechCrunch

None knew her but to love her, nor named her but to praise.

The New York Times

None knew the answer.

Independent

None knew which was which.

The New York Times - Health

None knew the entirety.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but none knows" to create a sense of mystery or uncertainty, particularly when highlighting a contrast between common assumptions and actual knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "but none knows" in sentences where a simpler phrase like "nobody knows" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but none knows" serves as a conjunctional phrase used to introduce a contrasting element of uncertainty or lack of knowledge following a statement that might imply some level of understanding. It signals that despite assumptions or indications, the full truth is unknown. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but none knows" functions as a useful conjunction phrase to express uncertainty or a lack of definitive knowledge, often contrasting with preceding statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and, while not extremely common, is a versatile phrase that adds depth to writing by highlighting the limits of understanding. When used judiciously, it injects a sense of mystery or incomplete information, enriching the narrative or argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet no one knows

Replaces "but none" with "yet no one", altering the emphasis slightly.

however nobody knows

Substitutes "but none" with "however nobody", offering a more emphatic tone.

though nobody is aware

Shifts from knowing to being aware, broadening the lack of knowledge to a lack of consciousness.

even though nobody understands

Emphasizes a lack of understanding rather than just knowing.

despite the fact that nobody is certain

Highlights the absence of certainty instead of direct knowledge.

while ignorance prevails

Focuses on widespread ignorance on a topic.

but the truth remains hidden

Changes the focus to the concealment of the truth.

yet the answer eludes everyone

Shifts the perspective to the answer evading understanding.

however the facts are unclear

Focuses on lack of clarity on the available data.

though the solution is unknown

Specifies that a solution to a problem is not known.

FAQs

How can I use "but none knows" in a sentence?

Use "but none knows" to introduce a contrast, implying that despite some awareness or speculation, the definitive truth is unknown. For example, "The legend persists, "but none knows" the real story."

What phrases are similar to "but none knows"?

Alternatives include phrases like "yet no one knows", "however nobody knows", or "though nobody is aware", each offering slightly different nuances.

Is it more correct to say "but none know" or "but none knows"?

The form "but none knows" is generally considered correct because "none" functions as a singular pronoun in this context. Although "none" can be plural in some cases, in the expression ""but none knows"", it implies that not a single person has the knowledge.

When is it appropriate to use "but none knows" in writing?

It is most appropriate when you want to emphasize a lack of definitive information or understanding, especially following a statement that might suggest otherwise. It adds an element of intrigue or uncertainty.