having known that

USAGE SUMMARY

"having known that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something has been known or understood before a certain point in time. For example, "Having known that the meeting had been moved, he arrived at the new location instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The speaker ironically remarks that the doctor's having known that story made up for everything.

The New Yorker

She accused the authorities of a cover-up, having known that the water was dangerous.

The Guardian

Mr. Dumas always denied having known that the gifts were paid for with money from Elf, now part of TotalFinaElf.

The New York Times

My game plan was to see the distilleries in action, but I arrived too late last Friday, not having known that Nashville and Bardstown lie in different time zones.

The New York Times

But not having known that father did not seem so odd to little Allegra; she had friends, like Kate O'Toole, whose fathers were also princely and distant film celebrities.

The New York Times - Books

The city's emblematic building doesn't appear gradually, but stands apart, some sage zoning official having known that the very best buildings, like the most majestic mountains and most striking women, demand a little space to be appreciated.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Why must I have known that would happen?

The Guardian

He had known that was the most he could ask.

Vice

"I should have known that".

The New York Times

We've known that forever.

The New York Times

How could I not have known that?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having known that" to clearly establish that a piece of information was understood or available before a subsequent action or event. It helps create a sense of causality and informed decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "having known that" when a simple past tense or present perfect tense would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of "Having known that he was coming, I prepared dinner", consider "Because I knew he was coming, I prepared dinner".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having known that" functions as a participial phrase, providing background information or context by indicating prior knowledge. It often introduces a clause that explains the reason or basis for a subsequent action or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having known that" is a grammatically correct participial phrase used to introduce a cause or reason based on prior knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable for use in writing. While generally neutral to formal in register, it appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts. Remember to use it to establish a clear connection between prior knowledge and subsequent actions, but be mindful that simpler constructions may sometimes be more direct. Consider alternatives such as "being aware that" or "previously aware that" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being aware that

Emphasizes the state of awareness, rather than the action of knowing.

knowing beforehand that

Highlights the temporal aspect of knowing something in advance.

being informed that

Focuses on receiving information, suggesting the knowledge came from an external source.

previously aware that

Stresses that the awareness existed before the current situation.

with the knowledge that

Highlights the possession of knowledge as a condition or context.

cognizant that

A more formal way of saying "aware that", suitable for academic or professional contexts.

mindful that

Emphasizes the importance of keeping something in mind.

being conscious that

Highlights the state of being aware and alert to something.

understanding that

Focuses on comprehension and grasp of the information.

recognizing that

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging or identifying something as true.

FAQs

How can I use "having known that" in a sentence?

You can use "having known that" to introduce a reason or cause based on prior knowledge. For example, "Having known that the store closed early, I decided to shop online".

What phrases are similar to "having known that"?

Similar phrases include "being aware that", "knowing beforehand that", or "previously aware that".

Is it always necessary to use "having known that", or can I use a simpler construction?

While "having known that" is grammatically correct, simpler constructions like "because I knew that" or "since I was aware that" can often be more direct and easier to understand.

What's the difference between "having known that" and "knowing that"?

"Having known that" typically introduces a past action or decision based on prior knowledge, while "knowing that" can refer to a general state of awareness. For example, "Having known that it would rain, I took an umbrella" (past action). Compare this with "Knowing that it often rains, I always carry an umbrella" (general awareness).