knew more about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knew more about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing knowledge or expertise between individuals or groups regarding a specific subject or topic. Example: "She always felt that she knew more about the subject than her classmates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wish I knew more about biology.

The New Yorker

I knew more about the human heart".

The New York Times

Results: More than 80% wished that their physician knew more about cerebral palsy.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

But he knew more about the law than we did.

The New York Times

"We really wished we knew more about Dr. Sachs".

The New York Times

He knew more about my barber's life than I did".

The New York Times

Some of them knew more about transistors than I did.

The Guardian

(She knew more about the plot than I did).

The New York Times - Travel

I think he knew more about life than anyone".

The New York Times

(After all, they knew more about MTV than I did).

The New York Times - Magazine

We knew more about English history than our country's history.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "knew more about" to clearly indicate a comparative level of knowledge or understanding between individuals or groups. Ensure the context provides a clear point of reference for the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "knew more about" in contexts where there's no explicit comparison. For instance, instead of saying "He knew more about history", specify "He knew more about history than his classmates did".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knew more about" functions as a comparative verb phrase, indicating a higher degree of knowledge or understanding in relation to a specific subject. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use across various contexts to denote expertise or superior comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "knew more about" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a superior level of knowledge or understanding. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears across diverse contexts from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. The phrase is grammatically sound, and its meaning is generally clear, making it a reliable choice for expressing comparative expertise. When using "knew more about", ensure that the context provides a clear point of comparison to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "had a better understanding of" or "was more knowledgeable regarding" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning, adding nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a better understanding of

Focuses on comprehension and grasp of the subject matter rather than simply possessing more knowledge.

possessed greater expertise in

Highlights specialized knowledge or skill in a particular area.

was more knowledgeable regarding

Emphasizes the extent of information known about a specific topic.

had deeper insights into

Suggests a more profound and thorough comprehension.

was better informed about

Focuses on having access to more or better information.

held a superior grasp of

Indicates a firm and comprehensive understanding.

excelled in understanding

Highlights exceptional comprehension abilities.

had advanced knowledge of

Points to a higher level of understanding compared to others.

understood better

Simple, direct way of saying that someone grasped a topic more effectively.

was more conversant with

Indicates familiarity and ease in discussing a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "knew more about" in a sentence?

You can use "knew more about" to compare someone's knowledge to someone else's, for example: "She "knew more about" the subject than her teacher did."

What are some alternatives to "knew more about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "had a better understanding of", "was more knowledgeable regarding", or "possessed greater expertise in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "knew more about it than"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "knew more about it than" to compare knowledge levels. For instance, "He "knew more about" it than I did."

What's the difference between "knew about" and "knew more about"?

"Knew about" indicates a general awareness or familiarity with a topic. "Knew more about" implies a greater depth of knowledge or understanding compared to someone else.