he should know

USAGE SUMMARY

"he should know" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone should understand or have knowledge of something. For example: "Given his background in accounting, he should know the details of the financial report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So he should know.

The Economist

And he should know.

The New York Times

He should know.

The New York Times - Health

I thought he should know.

The New Yorker

He should know, the swine.

The New Yorker

He should know this".

The New York Times

He should know that".

The New York Times

"As a congressman, he should know better".

The New York Times

"He should know better," the American said.

The New Yorker

He should know, since he was there.

The New Yorker

And at 45 he should know better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he should know" to express an expectation that someone is aware of something, often based on their experience or position.

Common error

Avoid using "he should know" sarcastically when it's clear the person is genuinely ignorant, as it can come across as condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he should know" functions as an expression of expectation or assumption that someone possesses specific knowledge. Ludwig AI validates its proper use in English, reflecting its prevalent presence in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sport

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he should know" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey an expectation of knowledge or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent appearance across varied sources, primarily in news and media. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, while related phrases like "he ought to know" or "he is expected to know" offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to use "he should know" thoughtfully, considering the potential for misinterpretation or unintended condescension. It’s a versatile tool when used appropriately to express presumed awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he ought to know

Similar in meaning and formality, replaces 'should' with 'ought to'.

he surely knows

Adds emphasis on certainty that he knows.

he must know

Emphasizes the necessity of knowing, indicating a strong expectation.

he of all people should know

Emphasizes that, based on his experiences, he should know.

he is expected to know

Explicitly states the expectation of knowledge.

he is supposed to know

Suggests a social or professional obligation to possess the knowledge.

he's old enough to know better

Highlights the expectation of mature judgment based on experience.

it stands to reason that he knows

Indicates that the knowledge is a logical conclusion.

he is aware of

Focuses on the state of being informed about something.

he has been informed

Highlights that he received some information.

FAQs

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

Use "he should know" to indicate that someone is expected to be aware of something, typically due to their experience or knowledge. For example, "As a doctor, "he should know" the risks involved".

What is a more formal alternative to "he should know"?

A more formal alternative is "he is expected to know". For instance, "Given his position, "he is expected to know" the company policies".

When is it appropriate to use "he should know"?

It is appropriate when you believe someone has a responsibility or reason to be informed about something. Be mindful of the context and tone to avoid sounding accusatory.

What does it mean when someone says "he should know better"?

"He should know better" suggests someone acted unwisely despite having the experience or knowledge to make a better decision. It implies disappointment or disapproval.