came to know

USAGE SUMMARY

"came to know" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone gained knowledge or understanding about a particular topic, discovery, or fact. For example: "I came to know the truth about his whereabouts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then I came to know him.

The New Yorker

Gielgud came to know her well.

The Guardian - Books

He came to know his grandfather very well, he said.

The New York Times

I came to know them — and I fell in love.

The New York Times

In time, they came to know and trust her.

The New York Times

"That's how I came to know my people.

The New York Times

I just came to know about the Daedalus today.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I came to know and appreciate Clark Kerr.

University of California, Berkeley

We certainly came to know each other, understand each other.

Harvard University

I came to know the jokes by heart.

The Washington Post

That's how he came to know the real James Dean.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "came to know", consider the level of formality appropriate for your audience. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "became aware of" or "ascertained".

Common error

Be mindful of the nuance of "came to know". It implies a process or duration. Avoid using it when a more immediate verb like "learned" or "found out" would be more accurate for describing a sudden realization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came to know" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the process of acquiring knowledge, understanding, or familiarity with a person, thing, or concept. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used to describe a gradual gaining of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "came to know" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the process of gaining knowledge or familiarity with something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is frequently found in various contexts, including news, academic research, and everyday conversation. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as the immediacy of discovery or the gradual development of understanding. Pay attention to the context to make sure you convey the correct intent. Overall, the consistent use of "came to know" across reputable sources makes it a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became aware of

Emphasizes the moment of realization or understanding of something.

grew to understand

Highlights a gradual process of gaining comprehension.

learned about

Focuses on the process of gaining information or knowledge.

discovered

Implies finding something previously unknown or hidden.

familiarized oneself with

Indicates a deliberate effort to become acquainted or knowledgeable.

acquired knowledge of

Highlights the gaining of factual or theoretical understanding.

developed an understanding of

Focuses on building a comprehensive grasp of a subject or concept.

ascertained

Suggests a process of finding something out for certain.

recognized

Indicates an understanding of something as familiar or previously known, but perhaps not fully appreciated.

comprehended

Emphasizes a complete and thorough understanding.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "came to know" in a sentence?

You can use "came to know" to describe the process of gradually learning about someone or something. For example, "I "grew to admire" her work as I "came to know" her better."

What are some alternatives to "came to know" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "became aware of", "learned about", or "discovered" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "came to knew" instead of "came to know"?

No, "came to knew" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "came to know", where "know" is the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "came to know" and "found out"?

"Came to know" suggests a gradual process of learning, while "found out" implies a more immediate discovery or revelation.