knew well

USAGE SUMMARY

"knew well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a state of understanding or awareness of something. For example, "She knew well that he wanted her to stay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a subject he knew well.

The New York Times

The instrument was one he knew well.

The New Yorker

He thought of things he knew well.

The New Yorker

He knew well ahead of time".

The New York Times - Sports

And it's a book I knew well.

The Guardian

Tchaikovsky knew well how to overwhelm.

The New York Times - Arts

"These children I knew well, personally.

The Guardian

That was a word I knew well.

The Guardian

Theirs is a world that Dickens knew well.

The New York Times

And as Copland knew well, that is never enough.

The New York Times - Arts

These were people I liked and knew well.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing the phrase with synonyms like "was familiar with" or "understood thoroughly" for varied expression.

Common error

Avoid using "knew well" when a lesser degree of familiarity is intended. If someone has only a passing acquaintance, phrases like "knew of" or "was aware of" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knew well" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of deep understanding or familiarity with something or someone. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is correctly and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "knew well" signifies a profound understanding or familiarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, commonly found in News & Media. The phrase indicates a strong level of awareness, deeper than simply "knowing about" something. For alternatives, consider using phrases like "was familiar with" or "understood thoroughly". To avoid errors, ensure the level of familiarity implied by "knew well" accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was familiar with

Focuses on familiarity with a subject or concept.

had a good understanding of

Emphasizes comprehension and knowledge.

was well-acquainted with

Highlights a personal connection or experience.

understood thoroughly

Stresses the depth of understanding.

was keenly aware of

Implies a sharp and attentive understanding.

possessed extensive knowledge of

Indicates a broad and detailed understanding.

had a firm grasp of

Suggests a confident and secure understanding.

was conversant with

Highlights the ability to discuss something knowledgeably.

had first-hand experience with

Emphasizes direct personal involvement or observation.

recognized clearly

Highlights the perception and recognition of something.

FAQs

How can I use "knew well" in a sentence?

Use "knew well" to indicate a strong level of familiarity or understanding. For example, "She "knew well" the risks involved" or "He "knew well" his colleagues".

What are some alternatives to "knew well"?

You can use alternatives like "was familiar with", "understood thoroughly", or "was well-acquainted with" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "knew well" or "knew good"?

"Knew well" is the correct and commonly used phrase to indicate familiarity or understanding. "Knew good" is grammatically incorrect and not used in standard English.

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

"Knew well" implies a deep understanding or familiarity, while "knew about" suggests a more general awareness or knowledge. For instance, someone who ""knew well"" a subject has studied it extensively, while someone who "knew about" it may simply have heard of it.