know better

USAGE SUMMARY

"know better" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when someone offers advice or admonishes another to act more wisely or to not repeat a mistake. For example, "You should know better than to leave the door unlocked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We know better now.

The New York Times

You know better.

Forbes

We should know better.

The New York Times - Books

But cavers know better.

The New Yorker

Shouldn't they know better?

The New York Times

Now I know better.

The New York Times

He does know better.

The New Yorker

"Maybe you know better".

The New Yorker

Now you know better.

The New York Times

"Others know better.

The New York Times

Her teammates know better.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "know better" to gently correct or advise someone, implying they should have acted more wisely given their knowledge or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "know better" when a situation calls for stronger language to express disapproval or outrage. It's best suited for mild correction, not for serious offenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know better" functions as a verb phrase expressing the idea that someone possesses the knowledge or understanding to make a more appropriate or correct decision. Ludwig examples show it used to indicate a lapse in judgment or a failure to act according to one's knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "know better" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone should be more aware or should have acted with more wisdom. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to gently correct someone's behavior or decisions, implying they possessed the knowledge to act more appropriately. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media, as shown by Ludwig's examples from sources like The New York Times and The Economist. When aiming for clarity and mild correction, "know better" serves as an effective and versatile tool in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise better judgment

This alternative emphasizes the act of using one's cognitive abilities to make more sound decisions.

understand better

This alternative emphasizes the improved comprehension or insight regarding a particular situation or concept.

be more informed

This alternative suggests that someone should be better versed or knowledgeable about a specific topic.

be wiser

This alternative focuses on the quality of being wise or sensible, suggesting a more general state of good judgment.

have a better grasp

This alternative emphasizes having a stronger understanding or control of a situation or subject.

possess greater awareness

This alternative highlights the presence of a more comprehensive understanding of the facts and implications.

have more sense

This alternative suggests that someone should exhibit a greater degree of common sense or practical intelligence.

show more discernment

This alternative focuses on the ability to distinguish between different options with keen perception and good judgment.

be more astute

This alternative suggests being more shrewd and perceptive in assessing situations and making decisions.

be more enlightened

This alternative indicates having a deeper awareness or understanding, often implying moral or spiritual insight.

FAQs

How to use "know better" in a sentence?

You can use "know better" to express that someone should be aware of the correct or more appropriate action, such as in "He should "know better" than to lie to his parents".

What can I say instead of "know better"?

You can use alternatives like "be wiser", "exercise better judgment", or "understand better" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "know better" or "knew better"?

Both "know better" and "knew better" are correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Know better" is present tense, while "knew better" is past tense. For example: "I "know better" now" versus "I "knew better" then".

What's the difference between "know better" and "should have known better"?

"Know better" implies a general understanding, while "should have known better" implies a failure to apply that understanding in a specific situation. The latter carries a stronger sense of reproach.