know each other

USAGE SUMMARY

"know each other" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when two people are introducing themselves or getting to know one another. For example, "Mary and John shook hands and introduced themselves, getting to know each other better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We know each other".

The New York Times - Sports

Do they know each other?

The New Yorker

They barely know each other.

The New York Times - Sports

They all know each other.

The Economist

We hardly know each other".

The New Yorker

FAGAN We know each other.

The New York Times - Arts

"Getting to know each other".

The New Yorker

We all know each other.

The New York Times

You know each other.

Yale University

"We all know each other," he said.

The New York Times

"We get to know each other".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the deepening of a relationship, use variations like "getting to know each other" to convey a sense of progression.

Common error

Avoid using "know each other" when a more nuanced term like "acquainted" or "familiar" better reflects the actual relationship between individuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know each other" functions primarily as a verb phrase, expressing a reciprocal relationship of familiarity or acquaintance between two or more entities. Ludwig shows the wide applicability of this simple expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "know each other" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate familiarity between individuals or groups. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific level of familiarity when choosing this phrase versus alternatives like "be acquainted". Its frequent appearance in news and media highlights its relevance in describing relationships, making it an essential phrase for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are on familiar terms

Implies a friendly and informal relationship.

recognize each other

Focuses on the ability to identify someone from a previous encounter.

be acquainted

Expresses a more formal or distant level of familiarity compared to "know each other".

be familiar with

Indicates a general awareness or knowledge of someone, not necessarily a close relationship.

share a connection

Emphasizes a bond or commonality between people.

have met

Refers to the act of encountering someone, without implying any further relationship.

have an acquaintance

Denotes a casual or superficial relationship.

have crossed paths

Suggests a brief or coincidental encounter.

be introduced

Highlights the formal introduction process, implying a beginning of a relationship.

have a relationship

Broadly indicates a connection without specifying the type or depth.

FAQs

How can I use "know each other" in a sentence?

You can use "know each other" to indicate that two or more people are familiar with one another. For example, "They "know each other" from college".

What's the difference between ""know each other"" and "be acquainted"?

"Know each other" implies a deeper familiarity, while "be acquainted" suggests a more formal or superficial relationship.

Which is correct, ""know each other"" or "knowing of each other"?

"Know each other" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Knowing of each other" is less frequent and can sound awkward.

When should I use "getting to "know each other"" instead of ""know each other""?

Use "getting to "know each other"" when describing the process of becoming familiar, while ""know each other"" indicates an existing familiarity.