it knows better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it knows better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to imply that someone or something has more knowledge or wisdom about a situation than another person or entity. Example: "I tried to convince my dog to eat the new food, but it knows better and refused to touch it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The church's authority suffered too, as its errant flock decided it knows better than the hierarchs, and appropriated a religious symbol for purely political ends.

The Economist

It's a wonderful driver's car made by a company that is always trying to expand the envelope and also frequently thinks it knows better than its customers.

The New York Times

Having lived through the hyperinflation of 1923 Germany long maintained a strong currency and low inflation, so it knows better than many others how to preserve its competitiveness within the euro zone.

The Economist

It knows better today.

The New York Times

But science, or scientism, thinks it knows better.

The Guardian - Tech

Although most Britons aspire to own detached houses with gardens, the government thinks it knows better.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Is this the final curtain on a military that for decades believed it knew better than the elected politicians?

The New York Times

— and Jeeves wont be fooled; the people behind it know better.

Forbes

The people doing it, the ones who are still doing it, know better than to leave evidence.

Huffington Post

Though it was taken as a joke, I knew better: it was a slip.

The New Yorker

I'll do it even now, and I know better.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider context. "It knows better" can sound informal, so be sure you are writing for the appropriate audience.

Common error

Avoid overusing "it knows better" in contexts where a more nuanced or detailed explanation is required. Sometimes simply stating the known facts is more effective than implying superior knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it knows better" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating that a subject possesses superior knowledge, experience, or intuition compared to others. It's often used to contrast differing viewpoints or decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Huffington Post

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it knows better" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something or someone has a superior understanding or makes a wiser decision compared to others. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. While commonly found in News & Media and informal writing, more formal alternatives like "it is more knowledgeable" may be preferred in professional or academic contexts. When using this phrase, consider the audience and ensure it aligns with the intended tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is more knowledgeable

Replaces "knows better" with a more formal phrasing, emphasizing knowledge.

it has superior insight

Focuses on the quality of understanding rather than simply knowing.

it understands best

Emphasizes comprehension and optimal understanding.

it is wiser

Implies a deeper, more experienced understanding.

it is more astute

Highlights sharpness and cleverness in understanding.

it perceives more accurately

Focuses on the correctness and precision of perception.

it has a better grasp

Indicates a more comprehensive understanding of a subject.

it is more informed

Highlights the extent of knowledge that it possesses.

it is better acquainted

Suggests familiarity and experience with the subject.

it is more enlightened

Implies a higher level of understanding and awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "it knows better" in a sentence?

You can use "it knows better" to indicate that someone or something has a clearer or more accurate understanding of a situation than others. For example, "The market "it knows better" than to react rashly to every rumor".

What does "it knows better" imply?

"It knows better" implies that the subject possesses superior knowledge, experience, or intuition, leading to a more informed decision or understanding compared to others. It often suggests a contrast between what is commonly believed and what is actually true.

What are some alternatives to saying "it knows better"?

Alternatives include "it has more sense", "it understands better", or "it is wiser", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it knows better" formal or informal?

"It knows better" tends to be somewhat informal. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it is more knowledgeable" or "it possesses greater understanding".