i can know

USAGE SUMMARY

"i can know" is not a complete sentence.
It is a dependent clause and needs to be followed by a main clause for it to be a complete sentence. For example, "I can know what happened if you tell me the truth." In this example, "I can know" is the dependent clause and "what happened" is the main clause.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I can know from testimony that Bill despises Jim without knowing why Bill despises Jim.

SEP

China has 1.3 billion people, there's no way I can know where everyone is".

The New York Times

"I hope I can know the moment when it's time to walk away.

The New York Times - Sports

"I want to be in a place where I can know the local people".

The New York Times

And I can know that I am worth exactly the same as everyone else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maybe he'll write more so I can know what else I like.

The New York Times

I have become such a fine thing, the resting-place for a body I can know".

The Guardian - Books

"After all, you seem to know me better than I can know myself, which is both annoying and wonderful".

The New York Times

And so, I prefer to abandon all I can know, choosing rather to love him who I cannot know".

The New York Times

I call the school recording all night so that I can know what's happening by 5 a.m".

The New York Times

"If this is my last Olympics, I can know that I'm ending the closest I can get to my potential".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always complete the phrase "i can know" with a main clause to form a grammatically correct sentence. For instance, instead of just saying "i can know", specify what you can know, such as "i can know the answer if you tell me the truth".

Common error

Avoid using "i can know" as a standalone sentence. It is a dependent clause and needs further information to make sense. Ensure your sentence includes what you are capable of knowing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i can know" functions as a dependent clause indicating the potential or ability to know something. It requires a main clause to form a complete thought. As Ludwig AI points out, it is not a complete sentence on its own.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "i can know" is frequently used, it's crucial to remember that Ludwig AI identifies it as an incomplete sentence. It serves as a dependent clause expressing the potential or ability to know, necessitating a main clause to convey a complete thought. The phrase appears across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. For correct usage, ensure the phrase is followed by what one is capable of knowing to avoid grammatical errors. For instance, use "i can know the answer" instead of just "i can know".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i am able to know

Replaces the contraction with the full form "am able", emphasizing capability.

i have the ability to know

Focuses on possessing the inherent capacity to gain knowledge.

i have knowledge of

Focuses on possession of information, a more formal construction.

it is possible for me to know

Emphasizes possibility rather than direct ability, adding a layer of uncertainty.

i am cognizant of

Replaces "know" with a formal synonym, indicating awareness.

i am in a position to know

Suggests knowledge derived from a specific circumstance or role.

i am informed that

Highlights the source of knowledge as external information.

i can understand

Shifts from knowing to comprehending, focusing on mental grasp.

i am aware

Highlights the state of being conscious or informed about something.

i realize

Emphasizes the moment of becoming conscious of something, a shift in understanding.

FAQs

How to use "i can know" in a sentence?

"I can know" is a dependent clause and needs a main clause to complete its meaning. For example, "I can know the truth if you tell me" or "I can know what to do next if you give me the instructions".

What can I say instead of "i can know"?

You can use alternatives like "i am able to know", "i can understand", or "i am aware" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "i can know" or "i know"?

"I know" is a complete sentence expressing certainty or understanding. "I can know" requires additional context to specify what one is capable of knowing. Therefore, "I know" is often the more grammatically sound choice for expressing direct knowledge.

What's the difference between "i can know" and "i will know"?

"I can know" expresses the ability or potential to know something, while "i will know" expresses a future state of knowledge. "I can know" focuses on capability, whereas "i will know" focuses on a future event. It depends on what you want to emphasize.