helps to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "helps to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that having certain information or knowledge is beneficial or advantageous. Example: "It helps to know the background of the project before diving into the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It helps to know the characters.

The New York Times

But it helps to know the tricks.

The New York Times - Tech

It helps to know the right people".

The New Yorker

It helps to know actors and producers.

The Guardian - Sport

"It helps to know what to expect.

The New York Times - Sports

It helps to know the layout.

The New York Times - Arts

So it helps to know your enemies.

The New York Times - Science

It helps to know something about Bellatin's previous performances.

The New Yorker

"It helps to know the neighborhoods and their people".

The New York Times

It also helps to know your subject intimately.

The New York Times

It just helps to know they're behind us".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "helps to know", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific knowledge is beneficial and why it is helpful. For instance, "It helps to know the local customs when traveling abroad to avoid misunderstandings."

Common error

Avoid using "helps to know" without specifying what needs to be known. Instead of saying "It helps to know," provide context: "It helps to know the subject intimately before painting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "helps to know" functions as a connector, indicating that having specific knowledge provides an advantage or facilitates understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used. For example, "It helps to know the characters."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "helps to know" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that having certain knowledge is beneficial. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread usage. It is particularly common in news and media, and while the phrase is suitable for various contexts, clarity is key: always specify what the beneficial knowledge is. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "it is beneficial to know" or "understanding is useful". Remember, as seen in Ludwig's examples, providing context makes the phrase most effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is beneficial to know

Emphasizes the advantage of knowing something.

it is useful to know

Highlights the practicality of having certain knowledge.

knowing is advantageous

Focuses on the advantage gained through knowledge.

awareness is helpful

Highlights the usefulness of being aware of something.

understanding is beneficial

Emphasizes the advantages of understanding.

familiarity is useful

Stresses the usefulness of being familiar with something.

it aids in understanding

Focuses on how knowing something facilitates understanding.

background knowledge is useful

Highlights the usefulness of having background information.

insight is beneficial

Stresses the advantage of having insight.

grasping is advantageous

Focuses on the advantage of understanding something well.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "helps to know" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "it is beneficial to know" or "understanding is beneficial".

Is it grammatically correct to say "helped to know" instead of "helps to know"?

While "helps to know" is in the present tense, "helped to know" implies that knowing something was beneficial in the past. Choose the tense that fits the context of your sentence.

What is a common mistake when using the phrase "helps to know"?

A common mistake is not specifying what information is helpful. Always provide context so the reader understands what "helps to know".

Can "helps to know" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "helps to know" can be used in academic writing, but ensure the tone is appropriate. Formal alternatives like "it is useful to know" might be preferred in certain contexts.