he does know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he does know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize someone's knowledge or awareness about a particular subject or situation. Example: "Despite his humble demeanor, he does know a lot about the topic we are discussing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He does know better.

The New Yorker

He does know.

The Guardian - Film

"But he does know where it is".

The New York Times

He does know the president somewhat.

The New York Times - Sports

"And in fact he does know better.

The New York Times

The one thing he does know is city politics.

The Economist

He does know it, but his "pressures" cloud his thinking.

The New York Times

He does know why; he knows exactly why.

The New Yorker

"And it's frustrating because he does know a lot.

The New York Times

And, yes, he does know how to swear in English".

Independent

So how good could he be when he does know?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he does know" to add emphasis or express surprise that someone possesses certain knowledge. It's effective in refuting assumptions about someone's lack of awareness.

Common error

Don't use "he does know" when a simple "he knows" suffices. Overusing the emphatic form can make your writing sound unnatural or forced. Reserve it for situations where emphasis is truly needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he does know" functions as an emphatic affirmation. It is used to stress that someone indeed possesses knowledge, often in response to an implied doubt or contrary expectation. Ludwig's analysis supports this through numerous examples showcasing this emphatic usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he does know" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for adding emphasis to the fact that someone possesses knowledge. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions as an emphatic affirmation. It is used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While "he does know" is widely accepted, it is best reserved for situations where emphasis is truly necessary to avoid sounding unnatural. Related phrases such as "he is aware" or "he understands" can provide alternative ways to express knowledge and awareness, depending on the context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he understands

Highlights comprehension and grasp of a concept or situation.

he is familiar with

Implies a basic understanding or acquaintance with something.

he is aware

Focuses on awareness rather than explicit knowledge, implying a consciousness of something.

he is informed

Suggests knowledge gained from specific information or sources.

he is conscious of

Implies being mindful or attentive to something, emphasizing a state of awareness.

he is cognizant

Emphasizes a formal or intellectual awareness, suitable for more serious contexts.

he has insight into

Focuses on a deeper understanding or perspective regarding a situation.

he is no stranger to

Suggests familiarity with something through experience, implying knowledge.

he is acquainted with

Suggests a formal or superficial knowledge of something or someone.

he is well-versed in

Highlights expertise or deep knowledge in a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I use "he does know" in a sentence?

Use "he does know" to emphasize that someone possesses a particular piece of knowledge, especially when it might be surprising or contrary to expectations. For example, "Despite his quiet demeanor, "he does know" a lot about astrophysics".

What are some alternatives to "he does know"?

You can use alternatives like "he is aware", "he understands", or "he is familiar with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize awareness, comprehension, or acquaintance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "he does know"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The auxiliary verb "does" is used to add emphasis to the verb "know". This construction is common in English to highlight the truth or certainty of a statement.

When should I use "he knows" versus "he does know"?

Use "he knows" for a simple statement of fact. Use ""he does know"" to add emphasis, express surprise, or contradict a prior assumption about the person's knowledge. The added "does" provides extra force to the statement.