just knowing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just knowing that" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase used to express understanding or certainty, often through indirect means. For example: "It was reassuring just knowing that my brother was in a safe place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Somehow, just knowing that helps.

The New York Times - Arts

"Just knowing that support was there was a big help.

The New York Times

Because for most people, just knowing that information causes them to change their conduct.

The New York Times

"I think it's just knowing that hesitation is going to cripple your ability to perform," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Just knowing that is possible is very encouraging.

Huffington Post

Just knowing that can transform the way you serve and make your service infinitely more powerful.

Huffington Post

Two young people commented on how just knowing that "someone" was there was comforting and reassuring even if they never needed to access that part of the intervention.

BMC Pediatrics

Sometimes it helps just knowing that other people understand what you are going through.

WikiHow

Knowing that, it's bittersweet just knowing that they look so happy.

Huffington Post

"But just knowing that I'm healthy is all I needed to know.

The New York Times - Sports

"Just knowing that I really was alone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just knowing that", ensure the clause that follows clearly explains what specific knowledge is providing the comfort, motivation, or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "just knowing that" when the 'knowing' actually requires significant action or deeper understanding. This phrase works best when the knowledge itself is the primary benefit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just knowing that" typically functions as a connector, introducing a subordinate clause that explains the reason, cause, or impact of a particular fact. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to express understanding or certainty, often indirectly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just knowing that" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the comfort, reassurance, or motivation derived from specific knowledge. As shown by Ludwig, this idiom frequently appears in news and media, as well as informal contexts like wikis. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase when the knowledge itself is the primary benefit, and avoid overstating its importance. Remember that alternatives like "simply knowing that" or "being aware that" can offer subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply knowing that

Replaces "just" with "simply" emphasizing the ease and uncomplicated nature of the knowledge.

merely knowing that

Substitutes "just" with "merely", highlighting the minimal requirement of knowledge for a particular outcome.

only knowing that

Emphasizes that the knowledge is the single, sufficient factor.

being aware that

Focuses on the state of awareness rather than the specific act of knowing.

understanding that

Highlights comprehension and insight into the situation.

recognizing that

Stresses the act of acknowledging or identifying a particular fact or situation.

realizing that

Emphasizes the moment of sudden understanding or awareness.

appreciating that

Adds a sense of gratitude or positive evaluation to the knowledge.

having the knowledge that

Rephrases to emphasize the possession of information.

the mere fact that one knows

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the idea of knowing something.

FAQs

How can I use "just knowing that" in a sentence?

Use "just knowing that" to introduce a clause that explains how a particular piece of information provides comfort, reassurance, or motivation. For example, "I felt better "just knowing that" help was available if I needed it".

What phrases are similar to "just knowing that"?

Alternatives to "just knowing that" include "simply knowing that", "merely knowing that", or "being aware that", which all emphasize the impact of having specific knowledge.

Is it correct to say "only knowing that" instead of "just knowing that"?

While "only knowing that" is grammatically correct, it emphasizes that the knowledge is the sole factor, whereas "just knowing that" often implies a more nuanced or emotional benefit derived from the knowledge.

What's the difference between "just knowing that" and "simply because"?

"Just knowing that" highlights the impact of knowledge, while "simply because" introduces a reason or cause. They are not interchangeable; the former focuses on awareness, the latter on causation.